‘Heartbroken’ Amy Dowden cries in first TV interview since shock Strictly departure

Amy Dowden has spoken in her first TV interview since officially leaving Strictly Come Dancing.

On Monday it was announced she would be exiting the BBC show so she can recover from a foot injury after she was first taken to the hospital on October 26.

Her partner JB Gill will continue in the contest with Lauren Oakley, who he performed with in the most recent live show.

Tonight she appeared on Strictly: It Takes Two to discuss her departure and express how ‘gutted’ she is to no longer be dancing with the JLS star.

‘I’m absolutely gutted. Unfortunately, I have an insufficiency stress fracture on my shin.

‘I need to rest for a couple of weeks, but JB has got to continue with the amazing Lauren,’ the 34-year-old shared.

The Welsh fan-favourite has Crohn’s Disease and was previously diagnosed with breast cancer before getting the all-clear in February, but wanted to make clear that her injury is not linked to her ‘health scares’.

‘This injury could have happened to anybody. Nothing to do with previous health scares,’ she stated.

Amy is hopeful that she will be able to appear in the group routines with her fellow professional dancers later in the series.

Janette Manrara asked Amy what it has meant to be part of Strictly again, and how it’s contributed to her overall wellbeing. In 2023, she was still receiving treatment for cancer so wasn’t able to be part of the main cast for the first time since 2017.

It was at this point that Amy understandably became emotional before apologising, which Janette told her was unnecessary before supportively holding her hand.

‘It was everything. Sorry, I’m heartbroken. Being back with the Strictly family was the best rehab,’ she said.

‘I’m gutted because I was having the best time. To have it cut short is heartbreaking. I know this too shall pass. I will be there, cheering everyone on.’

After working with JB, 37, for months, the pair formed a ‘lovely friendship’, which has continued even though they are no longer dancing together.

‘I’m keeping up to date with how the dance is going this week. We’ve spoken a lot,’ she said.

‘Lauren is getting a very kind and patient partner. He is so talented. He picks up the routines so fast, and most of all, he just loves to dance. I can’t wait to watch them continue.’

To celebrate their time together, JB sent a special video message that was played after the interview. He called Amy ‘a wonderful teacher’ and ‘beautiful soul’ before thanking her for ‘absolutely everything’.