Lauren Oakley issues heartfelt statement after replacing Amy Dowden amid BBC Strictly health scare
Strictly Come Dancing star Lauren Oakley will be standing in for Amy Dowden on Saturday night after the Welsh star fell ill before the results show on Sunday night.
After their Foxtrot performance on Saturday night, Dowden was admitted to hospital after collapsing backstage at Elstree Studios – suffering a “medical emergency”.
BBC bosses today issued a statement on the future of Dowden’s Strictly journey this year as fans became increasingly worried.
Dowden returned to the series this year after battling breast cancer, keeping her fans updated through her journey and revealing she was in remission earlier this year.
Issuing a statement through the official Strictly Instagram account, it read: “Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well.
“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
“We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week.”
Oakley has since issued her own statement on taking over from Dowden this weekend and shared the statement on her Instagram story.
She penned alongside it: “Sending you so much love & well wishes @amy_dowden
“Hope you’re back on the dance floor as soon as possible. I will look after @jbgill for you this week. I hope we make you proud.” (sic)
Dowden is yet to comment on her recent health blow and how she feels about Oakey taking the reins this weekend.
The star’s colleagues commented on the official statement sending their well wishes, hoping she would return soon.
Fans were also pleased with the update, as one commented: “Sending all the love! Can’t wait to see Amy back on the dance floor!”
“Wishing Amy a speedy recovery,” another added before a third said: “Speedy recovery Amy…take good care of yourself and see you back on that dance floor very soon.”
A fourth penned: “Get better soon Amy. Rest and look after yourself. JB is in safe hands with Lauren. You will be missed on Saturday.”
Another wished: “Really hope she is back next week, her health comes first of course but they’re absolutely smashing this year after everything she has gone through would love for her to at least reach Blackpool.”
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A sixth added: “Awww I hope she’s ok!!! Gutted she’s missing his couple’s choice, they should rearrange it’s such a special dance.” (sic)
Due to Dowden not being able to attend the results show, Gill stood alone as he waited with bated breath to find out whether he made it through to next week.
