BBC Strictly Come Dancing's JB Gill speaks for first time after Amy Dowden health scare

Strictly Come Dancing contestant JB Gill has spoken for the first time after dance partner Amy Dowden's health scare, which saw her collapse backstage during the weekend's show. The pair had just completed their Halloween week foxtrot to Toploader's 'Dancing In The Moonlight', earning a score of 32 from the judges, when Amy fell ill.

An ambulance was called as a "precaution", and it has since been confirmed that she is "feeling much better". Despite Amy's absence from the results show, the duo avoided the dance-off, with JB expressing his relief: "Honestly, I'm beside myself and Amy of course is gonna be so happy that we're through to icons week. It's an amazing feeling."

He also revealed plans for next week's performance, a couple's choice medley featuring Bruno Mars' hit 'Treasure'. JB expressed his gratitude to fans on Instagram, posting photos from Halloween week alongside a heartfelt message. He wrote: "On behalf of both @amy_dowden and I, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for voting for us and wishing us well. We absolutely loved our performance on Saturday night and are SO grateful to be through to another week on @bbcstrictly Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support."

This came after Amy had been taken ill on Saturday, prompting a precautionary call to the ambulance service. A spokesperson for Amy revealed: "Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution. She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern. We request Amy's privacy in matters of health is kindly respected," reports the Mirror.

The East of England Ambulance Service also confirmed that they had attended a medical emergency at Elstree Studios, where Amy was taken to Barnet Hospital for further care. As a result, Amy was absent from Sunday night's results show, with host Tess Daly informing viewers: "Before we get started, Amy is unable to be with us for tonight's show."

A BBC spokesperson stated: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Amy Dowden MBE was unable to be in tonight's results show." A source further assured the Mirror that Amy's wellbeing, along with that of the other contestants, was the "number one priority". Regarding the competition, the source noted: "The outcome of the results show has not been compromised by this unforeseen matter and the show has protocols in place for circumstances such as these."