Amy Dowden sparks concern as BBC Strictly fans distracted by key moment in JB Gill celebrations: ‘Hope she’s okay!’

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have voiced their concern for Amy Dowden after spotting her reaction to JB Gill and Lauren Oakley’s reception on Saturday night.

Dowden had been paired with Gill for the 2024 series of Strictly but after collapsing backstage last week, Oakley was drafted in to replace the Welsh dancer while she recovered.

Oakley did a fantastic job in the eyes of the judges and viewers, playing her part in seeing Gill rack up his series-best score of 39 and avoiding the dreaded dance-off.

Following their Bruno Mars-inspired Couple’s Choice on Saturday evening, Oakley, Gill and Dowden joined Claudia Winkleman to debrief.

Gill and Oakley made clear their aim was always to make Dowden proud and gave her equal credit for their impressive scores, all the while the Welsh dancer – who missed out on last year’s series as she battled breast cancer – was in tears.

An emotional Dowden even appeared to need fellow pro Carlos Gu for support, turning to him after hearing Gill and Oakley’s scores – a moment that prompted him and Katya Jones to plant supportive hands on her shoulders.

Spotting how overcome Dowden was to witness her Strictly partner achieve his best score without her led to several BBC viewers taking to social media to wish her well.

In fact, the way in which Dowden tearfully reacted and turned to her castmates led several fans to ponder whether or not she was “okay”.

“Is Amy ok?” one X user asked. “Her getting teary eyed has sent me over the edge #strictly.”

A second similarly wanted answers: “Not be sobbing at Amy. I really hope she’s okay #strictly.”

Elsewhere, a third similarly voiced their concern: “Amy breaks me… I sincerely hope she’s okay and well #Strictly,” followed by crying emojis.

Another weighed in: “Oh my heart broke a little for Amy there. You could tell that was bittersweet because she should have been getting those 10s with JB.

“She is a beautiful person and deserves the whole world #strictly.”

While a fifth concurred: “Seeing Amy cry has made me cry lol. She should’ve been on that dance floor. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly.”

Despite her tearful reaction on Saturday evening, Dowden did remain positive when returning to social media once Gill had made it through to Week Eight.

Spotting Gill dedicated his victory this week to Dowden during Sunday’s show, the Welsh dancer took to Instagram to brand him the “kindest” and “most talented” soul.

Dowden – who battled breast cancer last year – also mentioned how the past seven days had been “rough” for all involved, something Gill echoed when speaking to Winkleman alongside Oakley on Sunday’s show.

“I loved every single second of it,” Gill beamed. “Honestly, I’m speechless.

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“It just felt like it was the right ending to what was a challenging week. It just was the best way to end it.”

On social media, Gill thanked Oakley, his fans, and the crew behind the scenes of Strictly for putting the routine together.

“Wow! What a weekend,” he began in an Instagram post. “I just want to say thank you to @lizzie.gough & @mrballchange for making my couples choice dance so special. You guys allowed @laurenmayoakley and I to shine brightly for @amy_dowden and do everyone proud.

“To my family and friends and EVERYONE supporting us and voting, you guys are the best and I’m SO HAPPY to continue this amazing journey, whatever challenges it throws at me! Still on cloud 9 and grateful to be through to another week.” (sic)