By Kiera Howard 
Amy Dowden has opened up about leaving BBC Strictly early, and seven months later, her emotional account of the October 2024 collapse that ended her comeback still resonates powerfully. The Welsh professional dancer’s honest reflections on her premature exit have become a defining moment in discussions about health, resilience, and recovery in professional dance.
The 34-year-old ballroom specialist from Caerphilly shared the personal impact of her October withdrawal, describing how her return to the dance floor was suddenly cut short just when she felt strongest.
Table of Contents
The October Night That Changed Everything
Amy’s 2024 Strictly journey ended abruptly on October 26th when she collapsed backstage at Elstree Studios. The incident happened after she and celebrity partner JB Gill had performed their Foxtrot to “Dancing In The Moonlight,” earning 32 points from the judges.
WHAT HAPPENED:
- Ambulance called just after 9pm on Saturday October 26th
- East of England Ambulance Service attended Elstree Studios
- Transported to Barnet Hospital for further care
- Fire service attended with specialist equipment
- Later diagnosed with insufficiency stress fracture
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed at the time: “We were called just after 9pm on Saturday to attend a medical emergency at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. An ambulance was sent to the scene. One patient, an adult female, was transported to Barnet Hospital for further care.”
Lauren Oakley stepped in as JB Gill’s partner, with Amy’s permanent withdrawal confirmed on November 4th, 2024.
Her Heartbreaking Words Still Echo
Amy’s social media statement from that difficult period became one of the most shared posts in Strictly history:
“My heart is breaking right now. I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short.”
That question – “why me, why now” – struck a chord with supporters who had followed her cancer recovery journey. Her New Year’s reflection revealed even deeper pain:
“I felt I’d been robbed of the year, was going into uncertainty and didn’t feel the slightest bit like Amy.”
These words highlighted how much her Strictly return had meant for rebuilding her identity after cancer treatment.
Why Her 2024 Return Meant Everything
Amy’s 2024 participation carried enormous significance after missing the entire 2023 series due to cancer treatment. Her health battle had been intense and frightening.
HER CANCER JOURNEY:
- May 2023 – Stage three breast cancer diagnosis (discovered lump day before honeymoon)
- Summer 2023 – Mastectomy surgery
- August 2023 – Life-threatening sepsis after first chemotherapy session
- February 2024 – Received “no evidence of disease” news
- September 2024 – Returned to Strictly ballroom
She described that return beautifully:
“The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again.”
Research from Macmillan Cancer Support shows cancer survivors often struggle with identity reconstruction, making her words particularly meaningful.
The Ongoing Crohn’s Challenge
While cancer dominated headlines, Amy has managed Crohn’s disease since childhood. As an ambassador for Crohn’s & Colitis UK, she’s helped raise awareness of this invisible condition.
“People ask about my cancer all the time, but no one ever asks me about my Crohn’s yet I’ll live with Crohn’s forever.”
LIVING WITH CROHN’S:
- Ongoing management since childhood
- Previous hospitalisation during 2022 Strictly tour
- Featured in 2019 documentary “Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me”
- Lower immune system increases infection risk
Her Crohn’s advocacy work continues today, helping others understand this misunderstood condition.
Partnership Success Before Disaster Struck
Amy and JLS singer JB Gill had shown immediate chemistry, topping the week one leaderboard with their waltz. The performance earned a standing ovation and proved her professional abilities remained exceptional despite recent health challenges.
Their week six Foxtrot on that fateful October night earned 32 points. Amy had been particularly proud of their rumba, which showcased the emotional storytelling that defined her choreographic style.
After her withdrawal, Amy continued supporting JB and replacement partner Lauren Oakley from the studio balcony, demonstrating remarkable grace during heartbreak.
The Dance Community Rally
Judge Motsi Mabuse’s response captured the genuine affection within the Strictly family:
“Dear Amy, your courage and strength inspire us all. Taking this step to focus on your health is the most beautiful act of self care and resilience.”
Fellow professionals Gorka Marquez, Jowita Przystal, and Dianne Buswell offered public support, while Welsh contestant Wynne Evans provided a “big Welsh cwtch” that brought her to tears.
March Honesty About Recovery
Three months later, Amy made a significant admission on Good Morning Britain that many cancer survivors recognised:
“I was probably deluded thinking I’d recovered fully from chemotherapy before returning to Strictly.”
She revealed that physical and mental healing only came around December 2024, months after the competition ended. This honest reflection highlighted the pressure on public figures to appear “fine” quickly after major medical treatment.
Recognition and Achievements in 2025
Amy’s advocacy work gained major recognition this year:
HONOURS RECEIVED:
- February 2025 – Made MBE by King Charles for inflammatory bowel disease awareness
- 2024 – BBC documentary “Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me” received NTA nomination
- Ongoing – Ambassador work continues for Crohn’s & Colitis UK
Describing the MBE ceremony as “surreal,” she committed: “I’ll forever do all I can to raise awareness.”
Her documentary continues helping people understand cancer treatment realities, potentially saving lives through early detection encouragement.
Back Where She Belongs: 2025 Series
Last month, the BBC confirmed Amy’s return as a professional dancer for the 2025 series, marking her ninth year with the show. She’s now likely deep in preparation for the upcoming series.
Her response to the April confirmation:
“So grateful to be back on the best show on TV for my ninth year with my Strictly family. This show means everything to me, through the highs and my all time lows, it truly got me through my toughest of times.”
The BBC’s official announcement represented complete vindication of her recovery journey.
Lasting Impact on Public Conversation
Amy’s willingness to share her struggles has transformed how celebrities discuss health challenges. Social media responses continue showing her impact: cancer patients finding hope, people with Crohn’s feeling less alone, supporters inspired by her resilience.
Other entertainment figures have shown similar courage in prioritising health, including Ronnie O’Sullivan’s decision to withdraw from the World Grand Prix when wellbeing demanded it.
Key Questions About Her Journey
What caused Amy’s 2024 Strictly exit?
An insufficiency stress fracture after collapsing backstage on October 26th, 2024, following her Foxtrot performance. Emergency services attended with specialist equipment to transport her safely.
How did cancer affect her career?
Stage three breast cancer in May 2023 required mastectomy and chemotherapy, forcing her to miss the entire 2023 series. She also battled life-threatening sepsis in August 2023.
What ongoing health condition does she manage?
Crohn’s disease since childhood, requiring constant management. She’s been hospitalised previously, including during the 2022 Strictly tour, and serves as an ambassador for Crohn’s & Colitis UK.
Where is Amy now?
Preparing for the 2025 Strictly series, confirmed last month for her ninth year as a professional dancer.
A Journey That Continues to Inspire
Seven months after that devastating October collapse, Amy Dowden’s story stands as testament to human resilience. Her willingness to share the messy, painful reality of recovery has created genuine connections with others facing their own battles.
The Welsh ballroom professional’s advocacy work continues making real differences in people’s lives, while her return to Strictly represents victory over seemingly impossible odds. Her journey proves that setbacks don’t have to define endings, and that sharing struggles honestly can light the way for others.
When Amy Dowden has opened up about leaving BBC Strictly early, she’s ultimately given us a masterclass in turning pain into purpose, showing that sometimes the most powerful victories come not from avoiding falls, but from how gracefully we rise again.
For ongoing support regarding health challenges and invisible illnesses, resources remain available through specialist organisations and dedicated support networks.