Amy Dowden makes emotional return to Strictly Come Dancing after collapse

Amy Dowden has made a valiant return to the Strictly Come Dancing stage after her startling collapse behind the scenes. BBC One aired a special edition of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday, November 2, marking the programme's inaugural Icons Week to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Before another live night of performances, Amy Dowden had been temporarily absent from the show. However, on Saturday, November 2, she rejoined JB Gill and Lauren Oakley in the ballroom, where they discussed their collaborative dance effort during a chat with Claudia Winkleman in the Clauditorium.

"You three did this together this week, didn't you?" Claudia enquired. Amy responded enthusiastically: "Yes, it's been a real dream team," mentioning how in their group chat Lauren had asked: "J, do you want a coffee?", to which Amy jokingly ordered for him: "Yes, he'll have a vanilla latte."

While she was there in spirit, it was evident that Amy would be on the sidelines supporting JB and Lauren for the evening’s dancing, reports the Mirror. Following her performance last week with her celebrity dance partner, the professional dancer from Wales was taken to hospital after collapsing backstage, rendering her unable to participate in the subsequent results show which saw the departure of Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez from the competition.

A representative for Amy Dowden had confirmed that "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."

Following last week's results show, JB Gill, who had been left without a partner, was then confirmed to be dancing with Lauren Oakley for Icons Week. The Birmingham-born dancer joined Strictly in 2022 but didn't dance with her first celebrity until the 2023 series.

On Monday (October 28), Lauren took to Instagram to send a message of support to Amy: "Sending you so much love and well wishes @amy_dowden", she wrote, "hope you're back on the dance floor as soon as possible!" She added: "I will look after @jbgill for you this week, I hope we make you proud!"

Meanwhile, JB also expressed his gratitude on Instagram, thanking fans for their ongoing support: "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."

Just before JB was due to perform, Amy shared a heartfelt tribute to her dance partner and Lauren Oakley.