Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden appeared to get teary-eyed on It Takes Two this evening (October 6) as she spoke about her early exit from the show.
Last weekend, the first star was eliminated from the dance show, and unfortunately for Amy and partner Thomas Skinner, their time was up. While many fans thought it was the right decision, they all wanted more for Amy Dowden.
Amy has had a tough few years after her cancer battle, and having to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing last year due to injury. Everyone was excited to see her make her return, and now she has left after just two weeks.
Amy appeared to get emotional watching their tribute (Credit: BBC)
Amy Dowden emotional on Strictly It Takes Two
Strictly favourite Amy Dowden appeared to get teary-eyed during her and Thomas’ exit interview with It Takes Two host Janette Manrara – who was covering tonight’s episode as Fleur East was at a wedding.
As the pair appeared on the sofa, they were quizzed on all things to do with their Strictly exit, including how they both felt.
And it seems Amy was pretty upset that the pair have gone. When Janette asked the dancing pro what she will miss about working with Thomas, Amy appeared to get emotional.
She revealed: “It was his work ethic. But also the laughs in the studio. Just getting to know Tom. It was a short but sweet time.”
Amy also praised Tom for his learning abilities, reminding everyone he had never danced before.
She admitted: “I was so impressed. An absolute beginner. In terms of the entertainment world, you are not an actor or performer. I was so proud of you. And the development from the first day learning to get on the dance floor. You worked so hard, and it was so much fun.”
Viewers were left upset watching Amy get emotional on the sofa, wishing she was able to stay on the show longer.
One viewer penned: “Hopefully they will bring Amy back for the Christmas special this year. I will miss her dancing with a partner for the rest of this series. I wish she was given a better celebrity.”
Another added: “I am absolutely devastated for Amy. But don’t worry everyone, 2026 will be her year.”
“I feel so sorry for Amy Dowden,” a third fan commented.
Thomas admitted he has Amy as a friend for ‘life’ (Credit: BBC)
Thomas Skinner reveals his family are ‘gutted’ he is out
During their interview, Thomas – who called Amy his “friend for life” – also opened up on how he feels about getting eliminated on the first vote off, and even gave an insight into his family’s reactions.
When Janette asked him how those at home are feeling that he has gone he joked that he hasn’t “told them yet” before giving a real answer.
He said: “They are gutted. They are. But they love Amy. They were all watching on Saturday night and last night. They are sad. But I will obviously carry on dancing.”
As for how he enjoyed his time on the dance competition, Thomas admitted: “I loved it. It was a lovely night. I know I am not one of the best but we had such a laugh.”
What do you think of Amy Dowden being eliminated on week two? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix. We want to know your thoughts!
Amy Dowden spoke about how Thomas Skinner was helping her through her illness (Credit: BBC)
Amy Dowden unwell ahead of Strictly week 2
Introducing the couple, Janette said: “It’s Tom and Amy!”
She then spoke to the former Apprentice star, asking him if he enjoyed his first live show.
Talk then turned to Amy. Janette said: “Now Amy, I know you’re a little bit under the weather, so excuse Amy today, but he made you a beautiful drink to help you out, didn’t he?”
“He did,” said a very hoarse Amy. “With tumeric, ginger, pepper.” “With everything in there, everything you need,” said Janette. “So I won’t make you talk too too much,” she said, before asking what Amy made of Thomas’ first dance.
Struggling to get her words out, she revealed that she found it “so rewarding” to see Thomas on the Strictly dance floor. “Seeing him transform, and to have the confidence that Tom had, you name it, you did such a great job,” she said as her voice broke again.
Viewers on the hashtag soon wished Amy better. However, one touched on her slightly controversial pairing with Thomas as they said: “And now poor Amy has the lurgy – girl can’t catch a break!”
Janette promised she wouldn’t make Amy talk too much on the show tonight (Credit: BBC)
Thomas Skinner reveals weight loss
Thomas has also been concentrating on his health. He’s switched his fry ups for healthier breakfasts of fruit and yogurt, and he’s lost a stone since starting out on the show.
“I’ve noticed my trousers are getting a little bit bigger,” he said.
Good job Strictly costume designer Vicky Gill was also on It Takes Two tonight then, in case of any last-minute wardrobe alterations ahead of Saturday night!
Amy Dowden has had to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing for the rest of the series following an injury.
The pro dancer, 34, didn’t perform on Saturday’s show (November 2). It came after she fell ill the previous weekend and was treated in hospital.
Now, Strictly has issued a new statement. They revealed that Amy has suffered a foot injury.
In an emotional message, Amy has said her “heart is breaking” over the news.
Pro Amy has had to pull out of Strictly for the rest of the series (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)
Amy Dowden pulls out of Strictly
The statement read: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow Professional Dancer, Lauren Oakley, will step in as JB’s dance partner.
“The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”
On her Instagram, Amy said: “My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up.
“It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again. My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the Strictly dance floor. It’s been such a challenge to get back on, one I devoted 2024 to.
“There was no feeling like dancing with my Strictly family. Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB.
Amy’s statement
“Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking, and full of big smiles.”
Amy said she feels “so sad, so upset and asking why me”. She added: “Why now that our journey has been cut short? My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury.
“I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing. Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family, thank you.
“JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”
Lauren stood in for Amy on Saturday’s show (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)
Strictly latest
The previous Saturday (October 26), Amy was taken to hospital after she became unwell following the live show.
After the ordeal, a Strictly spokesperson said: “Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well.
For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook page here.
“She is delighted that fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday’s show for JB Gill’s Couple’s Choice dance.”
Amy became ill after her Halloween performance with JB (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)
Meanwhile, a rep for Amy said at the time: “Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution.”
This past Saturday (November 2), Amy still appeared on the show. She watched her celeb partner JB Gill dance with Lauren Oakley.
JB and Lauren bagged an incredible 39 points out of 40 for their Couple’s Choice routine. Following the routine, Amy gushed on Instagram: “So proud thank you all for voting! But mostly so proud of you both and forever grateful! @jbgill @laurenmayoakley week 8 woooooohooooooo!!!”
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has returned to social media following a week-long absence after her backstage collapse last weekend (October 26).
“@jbgill it says everything how you’ve been able to adapt to a new professional, produce such a great number (so excited for everyone to see) whilst supporting me! I’m so lucky! You’re a STAR! I know what tonight means to you! Thank you!
“@laurenmayoakley thank you, I knew Jay would be in safe hands and have a fabulous time with you! You know I’ve always adored your dancing since I ran up to you in Blackpool tower at 8 years old to tell you! Thank you darling!”
She then paid tribute to the woman who has choreographed tonight’s Couple’s Choice routine. “@lizzie.gough you for choreographing such a brilliant routine! LOVE IT! Thank you!”
Amy said the support of her followers has ‘helped’ her recovery (Credit: BBC)
‘So grateful’
Finally, Amy gave a shout out to all her loyal fans following the outpouring of support following her hospitalisation.
“Also a big thank you for all the love and support I’ve received this past week. So grateful and certainly helped!” She ended the post by saying: “Now tune into the first-ever ICONS week on Strictly.”
JB was quick to comment on the post. He told Amy: “You are the best. Your belief in me is so uplifting and your fighting spirit is second to none! Thank you for being my biggest champion and I know that @laurenmayoakley and I will do you PROUD.”
For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook page here.
“Big hugs Amy, I know only too well. Once our brains think we’re fit to conquer the world again, our bodies will tell us different after cancer treatment. So rest up, and enjoy the well-earned rest, although I know it’s frustrating. Once again big hugs to you.”
Another echoed the same sentiment and said: “Hope you are doing okay. I am a year behind you in my breast cancer journey. Finished chemo two weeks ago. Energy but not yet hair returning. Thanks for telling your story. Wishing you well.”
Meanwhile, another shared: “Big hugs and love Amy. Please look after yourself.” “I’ll be voting for these guys tonight in honour of you Amy. Hope you are feeling better. Please rest as much as you need don’t worry about the show, you are more important,” said another.
“Nobody will ever be able to replace you for your dedication and love for Strictly,” another declared, “But I’m sure @laurenmayoakley will do you proud.”
“I love watching you in Strictly but your health comes first,” said another. “Strictly is gonna feel so weird without you being there tonight,” another told the dancer.
Amy Dowden is set to give her first live performance on Saturday evening since returning to Strictly Come Dancing for the latest series.
The 34-year-old will perform the waltz with her celebrity partner, JLS singer JB Gill, 37, following her departure from the show in 2023 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Welsh dancer told PA that her return to the show with JB is the “perfect comeback”.
She said: “I think it’s going to be just really lovely (today), because it’s going to be beautiful for my family, because they struggled just as much as I did having to watch me go through it.”
Amy also revealed that watching the show was tough for her family last year. “It was a reminder of exactly what we were going through,” she said.
“It’s going to be one big celebration, this whole series for me.”
In an exclusive interview with HELLO! in May 2023, Amy revealed that she had breast cancer. She said: “I’ve been through quite a lot in my life and this is another hurdle. But if I’m positive and strong, I’ve got a really good chance of getting back out on the dance floor as soon as possible.”
In February this year, the Strictly pro announced she would be returning to the ITV show for series 22, revealing that there was “no evidence of disease” following a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Amy made her emotional return to Strictly last week for the opening episode, where she dazzled in a pink one-shoulder ballgown with a stunning feather trim. The colour held a special significance being the colour of the pink ribbon worn to raise awareness for breast cancer.
The star performed a celebratory welcome dance with her fellow professionals, including a number with new dad Aljaž Škorjanec, who also returned to the series after a two-year absence.
Strictly 2024 is back for its 20th year and already the nation’s favourite dance show has gone out with a bang.
Tonight’s episode (September 14) revealed who the 15 celebrities are paired with and what dances they will take on next week. However, a couple of fan-favourite professional dancers have not been teamed with a celebrity partner.
Despite making it to Blackpool with Angela Rippon last year, Kai Waddington has not been assigned a celebrity. Sadly, the same goes for Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu.
That said, Lauren still admitted it feels “really special“ to be a part of Strictly’s 20th anniversary. “I’ve watched the show growing up. I watched the first episode, so I can’t believe I’m now part of it, especially in such a monumental year. It’s the best show on telly, so I’m not surprised it’s lasted 20 years, and I just feel really lucky to be part of it. It’s amazing,“ she said.
Dianne Buswell will be teaching Chris McCausland to dance (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, who made it to last year’s finals with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.
For their first dance, Chris and Dianne will perform the Cha Cha to The Beatles’ iconic Twist and Shout.
Joking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about their partnership, Chris quipped: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!”
Jamie Borthwick is Michelle Tsiakkas’ first-ever celebrity partner (Credit: BBC)
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
After winning last year’s Christmas special, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick signed himself up for the 2024 series. He has been paired with Michelle Tsiakkas.
After joining the Strictly family in 2022, this is the first time Michelle has been assigned a partner. “It’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!” she said.
During week one, the pair will perform a Viennese Waltz to Benson Boone’s recent chart-topper, Beautiful Things.
Asked about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, Jamie said: “That’s what swung me hook, line and sinker. I don’t quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.”
Amy Dowden is back for 2024 and she’s partnered with JB Gill (Credit: BBC)
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Like Jamie, JLS star JB Gill also competed on a Christmas special and took home the glitterball trophy. Clearly, the Beat Again hitmaker wants the full experience and has been assigned Amy Dowden as his partner.
The Welsh dancer returns to the show after having to step back last year due to her cancer diagnosis. “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JBto have the best time and fall in love with dancing,” Amy said.
Their first dance will be a Waltz to Leo Sayer’s When I Need You.
Johannes Radebe is partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas (Credit: BBC)
For their first dance, Montell and Johannes will perform a Foxtrot to Dinah Washington’s Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.
“It feels like a full circle moment, not just for me, but for everybody that’s ever been involved since its inception, from 2004 until now. I think everybody should just be proud that it’s still going. It’s just amazing,” he said about the upcoming series.
Asked if she felt pleased to be partnered with Johannes, Montell said: “How can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!”
They then joked that their team name would be MoJo!
Luba Mushtuk has been tasked with teaching Nick Knowles to dance (Credit: BBC)
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
After gracing our screens for several decades, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is giving Strictly a go. To help teach him his moves, he has been paired with Luba Mushtuk.
Asked if he thought theirs was a good match by the hosts, TV favourite Nick said: “Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race…. We’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally!”
Their first dancing during week one will be a Jive to Starship’s We Built This City.
Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer is partnered with Paul Merson (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Former footballer Paul Merson will be taught how to dance by Karen Hauer. “I just want him to enjoy himself,” said Karen. “I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we’re going to have the most fun!”
Keeping with the theme of footie, Paul and Karen will perform an American Smooth to Fat Les’ anthem Vindaloo.
Jowita Przystal and partner Pete Wicks have already sparked romance rumours (Credit: BBC)
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal
After not having much luck with Olympian Jody Cundy last year, maybe Jowita Przystal will return to the top of the leaderboard with her 2024 partner Pete Wicks. They’ve already sparked romance rumours!
Asked if he was pleased to be partnered with Jowita by Claudia, Pete said: “100%. The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.”
However, after being told their first performance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe, Pete looked confused and said: “What’s a Paso Doble?”
Gorka Marquez returns for 2024 and is partnered with Dr Punan Krishnan (Credit: BBC)
Dr Punam Krishnan and Gorka Marquez
Strictly favourite Gorka Marquez is teamed up with TV doctor Punam Krishnan.
As he returns to the show once again, Gorka revealed it’s a “privilege” to be a part of the 20th anniversary.
“It’s the dreams of any professional dancer to be on the biggest TV show on telly but also to be celebrating 20 years doesn’t happen very often. It’s incredible to be celebrating a show that has been running successfully for 20 years with so many memorable moments. To be part of something that has touched so many lives is incredible. I’m very excited to celebrate it,” he said.
Dr Punam said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience.”
Their first performance will be a Cha Cha to pop princess Kylie Minogue’s Love At First Sight.
Tasha Ghouri is partnered with returning pro Aljaz Skorjanec (Credit: BBC)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Model, author and dancer Tasha Ghouri might have previous experience, but she’s about to learn a whole lot more now that she’s partnered with returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec.
The pair will show off their moves to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso in the style of a Cha Cha.
Speaking about her pro partner, Tasha quipped: “I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.”
Olympian Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Credit: BBC)
“I’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!” Nadiya quipped of the gold medal-winning swimmer.
For their first dance, they will perform a Tango to Harry Styles’ Golden.
Neil Jones has a celebrity partner this year in Toyah Willcox (Credit: BBC)
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
1980s icon Toyah Willcox has been paired with Neil Jones. It will be Neil’s first celebrity pairing since 2021.
“I’ve been around the show for about 10 years so it’s incredible to be a part of this for that long,” he said about his time on the show. Toyah said of her partner: “I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”
Toyah and Neil will also perform a Tango to Madonna’s Ray of Light.
Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin (Credit: BBC)
The Ukrainian-Italian professional just missed out on the glitterball trophy with actor Layton Williams last year. So could 2024 be his year?
Sam and Nikita’s first dance will be a Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes.
Olympian Sam told Tess: “I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!”
Sarah Hadland has been paired with reigning champ Vito Coppola (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
After winning the show with former Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, Vito Coppola has been paired with another actor, Sarah Hadland.
Asked if he thinks he’ll lift the glitter ball again this year, Vito said: “Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!”
For their first dance, Sarah and Vito will perform a Quickstep to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.
Shayne Ward is with Nancy Xu for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
After finishing last in 2023, hopefully, Nancy Xu will have more luck with former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward.
“I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey,” said Shayne.
Katya Jones will be dancing with Wynne Jones this time around (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.
“I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get,” Wynne said.”Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!”
Claudia asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, she said: “I think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!”
For the first dance next weekend, they perform a Samba to Tom Jones’ Help Yourself.
Amy Dowden, who has been having treatment for cancer, admits accepting her new body won’t “happen overnight”.
Strictly Come Dancing pro star Amy, 33, underwent a mastectomy in 2023 following her breast cancer diagnosis last May.
Amy later received a second diagnosis of another form of cancer, which required chemotherapy.
The Welsh star has also suffered devastating setbacks with sepsis, a blood clot on her lung, and a broken foot.
Due to her health struggles, Amy was unable to participate fully in the most recent series of the BBC One dance contest. However, she did make a triumphant return to the dance floor as part of a group performance in December’s final.
Strictly fave Amy Dowden endured numerous health issues linked to her cancer diagnoses in 2023 (Credit: YouTube)
Amy Dowden cancer latest news
Amy married her husband Ben Jones in 2022. And it was the day before their honeymoon in April 2023 when Amy found a lump in her breast. However, their trip to the Maldives was overshadowed by what happened to Amy.
And so, the couple have recently gone on a second honeymoon to Grenada. During Tuesday’s (January 30) episode of Lorraine, Amy explained how she is trying to resume her life following her health issues.
“The past year has been tough,” Amy reflected.
She went on: “Cancer diagnosis, treatment, a mastectomy and some setbacks. But I’m determined to get my life back on track. Finally, we are honeymooning in Grenada!”
I’m determined to get my life back on track.
Amy also detailed how Ben was unaware about the lump she discovered while they were away.
Amy continued: “A totally different feeling from when we were on our honeymoon in the Maldives because Ben didn’t know. But obviously I had this cloud over me.
“I was present in my first honeymoon but I really wasn’t because I found the lump. I was hiding it from Ben.”
‘I’ve got a new body, I’ve got scars’
Resilient Amy also conceded it may take time for her to fully recover from her ordeal.
But she is determined to stay positive – and “accept” how illness has changed her.
“Before coming to Grenada, last week, I had seven appointments in one week so coming here and getting some Vitamin D, escaping hospital wards and appointments and medication is just gorgeous!” Amy went on.
“I’ve got a new body, I’ve got scars. But I think it’s something that I’ve got to learn over time I’m going to accept. It’s not going to just happen overnight.”
Amy Dowden clinks glasses with her husband Ben in Grenada (Credit: ITV)
She added: “I’m being put into situations that I wasn’t at home. Having to put a bikini on, being all exposed in summer wear rather than at home wrapped up in jumpers, jeans and boots. Hopefully it’s only going to get progressively better!”
Amy Dowden has shared a personal message with Strictly fans after being rushed into hospital last week for a blood clot in her lungs.
The 33-year-old Strictly Come Dancing star took to her Instagram stories and thanked her fans for their supportive messages. She also said that her appearance on the BBC show was “just what she needed.”
Amy Dowden thanked fans
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for the lovely messages I’ve had the last few days. I’ve got ones like: ‘Amy don’t push yourself.’ But honestly being at Strictly yesterday. With the week I’ve had was just what I needed, mentally more than anything.”
Amy Dowden shared an update with fans (Credit: Instagram)
“Obviously a rubbish start to the week rushing to the hospital. A few nights in the hospital. But I go into Strictly is the tonic I need. You know going in. Getting my hair and make-up done. Having my wig done and putting on another glamorous outfit. Being pampered. And standing here watching my best friends, being here for the big moment. It’s just what I need right now,” she said.
She reflected on her journey so far
However, she also admitted she’s been really careful since breaking her foot, so she’s resting up and watching lots of Christmas movies. She added: “Obviously in the three weeks since finishing chemo. It was a bit delusional of me to think ‘Right let’s go.’ I wanted to do hair and make-up since April May. And I wanted to dance on Strictly, as that was the plan.”
She added: “I was supposed to be dancing in the semi-final week. And you know just chuck myself into everything. But I broke my foot and then a blood clot on the lung.”
Meanwhile, Amy revealed that she’s having her living room renovated and that she’s glad it will look different, as it currently reminds her of memories of the past eight months.
