Lauren Oakley issues touching vow to Amy Dowden in heartfelt message following BBC Strictly withdrawal
Lauren Oakley will be replacing Amy Dowden for the remainder of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, which comes after the sad news that Dowden had to withdraw form the show following an injury.
Oakley, who had featured in the current series but wasn’t given a partner, is stepping in to dance with JLS star JB Gill – and has left Welsh dancer Dowden a heartfelt message where she vowed to do her co-star proud.
Dowden admitted her “heart is broken” by the update after it was announced on Monday’s Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two, that she would be withdrawing from the competition.
It comes after the choreographer pulled out of last Saturday’s show after collapsing backstage, and a Strictly spokesperson confirmed this week that a foot injury has meant Dowden won’t return.
The fresh blow comes after the Ballroom and Latin dancer was forced to miss last year’s show as she underwent cancer treatment, and her lengthy post on Monday touched on how she had been excited to finally be able to focus on dancing again after a difficult year.
She explained on Instagram she was “sad, upset and asking ‘why me?'” but ended on a positive as she promised to continue to support singer Gill.
Oakley responded in the comments section with a sweet message as she shared: “This too shall pass. We’re still a team. Love you.”
Issuing a vow to the dancer, she continued: “You did the ground work, I’ll carry your partnership forward and hopefully make you proud XXX.”
Fans were touched by the 33-year-old’s promise, with many expressing how touched they had found the message.
One wrote: “What a humble comment!” while another commented: “How lovely!”
“@laurenmayoakley such a kind and thoughtful post .. we are rooting for you .. best of luck and thank you for taking the helm for Amy this time,” another shared.
“@laurenmayoakley amazing friend and support you are to Amy and all of the strictly family. Lauren get JB as far as you can now for Amy… incredible lady with a heart of gold….xx,” a fourth added.
“Beautiful sentiment Lauren,” another echoed, with someone else posting: “@laurenmayoakley beautiful comment Lauren. You & JB will do Amy proud.”
Confirming the sad news about Dowden’s withdrawal, a Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year.”
The statement continued: “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.”
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As Monday’s It Takes Two started, host Fleur East shared the unfortunate news, reading the statement before adding: “Sending you all our love Amy, get better soon.”
It hasn’t been revealed whether or not the foot injury is what sparked Dowden’s absence from last weekend’s show.
Dowden herself has issued a moving statement where she admitted her heart was “breaking”.
