Since joining the family in 2017, Amy Dowden MBE has remained one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most popular professionals amongst the show's die-hard fans.
The Strictly star made headlines after a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis in 2023 but after a year-long battle Amy confirmed there was 'no evidence of disease' and returned to Strictly for this years series.
However, across the weekend it was revealed that Amy had collapsed and would be taking some time off to recover with Lauren Oakley stepping in to dance with Amy's partner JB Gill on Saturday's (1 November) show.
But do not fear as a BBC spokesperson has already updated Strictly fans on how Amy is doing and we have all our fingers crossed she will be making a speedy recovery.
'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.'
Who is Amy Dowden?
Amy is a professional ballroom and Latin American dancer. She is also a Guinness World Record holder for the most Charleston kicks in 30 seconds.
How old is Amy Dowden?
Amy is 34 years old. She was born on 10 August 1990.
Where is Amy Dowden from?
Welsh girlie Amy is originally from Caerphilly.
Why did Amy Dowden leave Strictly?
Just ten months after the high of tying the knot with her long-term partner, Ben Jones, Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was forced to pull out of the 2023 Strictly series and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Amy also lost her hair, suffered from sepsis, and in November 2023 she broke her foot – the week before she was set to make a special comeback performance on Strictly.
Why is Lauren Oakley covering Amy Dowden on Strictly?
After Strictly's Halloween special it was reported that Amy had collapsed and was taken to hospital. It was later announced that she would not be taking part in Strictly on Saturday (November 1) and instead fellow Strictly pro Lauren Oakley would be stepping in for the weekend.
Has Amy Dowden ever won Strictly Come Dancing?
Somehow, no. Despite achieving impressive feats like getting the first 40 of the series for her Jive with partner Karim Zeroual during the 2019 series, she has never taken home the Glitterball trophy. Could 2024 be her year?
What does Amy Dowden do?
Aside from having the patience of a saint and teaching celebs to dance, Amy is also a presenter on the TV show Dare To Dance, which sees Amy teaching would-be performers lacking the confidence to give dancing a go. She also filmed a documentary during her battle with cancer titled Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.
Amy is also going to be taking part in a 2025 tour with fellow Strictly pro Carlos Gu called 'Amy Dowden & Carlos Gu: Reborn.'
When did Amy Dowden get married?
Amy got married to Ben Jones in 2022.
Who is Amy Dowden's husband?
His name is Ben Jones, and he, like Amy, is a dancer.
The couple have danced together in professional competitions and won the British National Latin Dance together. They also own a dance school in Dudley, West Midlands called Art in Motion. 'Couple goals' is the phrase you're looking for.
Who were Amy Dowden's bridesmaids?
Amy had many of her fellow Strictly cast members out in France with her when she got married, including judge Craig Revel Horwood, former Strictly pro Janette Manrara, and her husband Aljaz Skorjanec. Fellow Strictly dancer Dianne Buswell was even one of Amy's bridesmaids.
Amy Dowden on living with Crohn's disease
Amy started getting bouts of illness at 11 years old, and eight years later was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
On her diagnosis, she said, 'It was such a relief to finally receive a diagnosis. I just have to look out for the signs, which for me start with swollen eyes. I have learnt to listen to my body, and to notice when things start getting out of tune.
'I know when I need to rest, and when I have to eat simply and drink lots of water. I have always been driven to win, so Crohn's was never going to hold me back.'
Does Amy Dowden have a twin sister?
Yes, she does. Her name is Rebecca, and along with Dianne, she served as a bridesmaid to Amy in 2022.
Though she doesn’t really do or say much publicly – like her celeb sister – she did post a sweet post about her sister getting married.
She shared a picture from Amy and Ben’s big day on Instagram and wrote, 'From day one, we have always been there for each other, from our first day at school to our first dance lesson, to be there to see you win the British Nationals and then go on to be on Strictly Come Dancing.
'However, nothing will top being by your side again and seeing you say "I do". Thank you for choosing me as your Maid of Honour.
What is Amy Dowden's Instagram?
Amy’s Instagram username is @amy_dowden.