LAUREN Oakley has broken her silence following the news that Amy Dowden will step down from Strictly.
It was announced today that the 34-year-old Welsh dancer will not be returning to the dancefloor for the rest of the series after collapsing backstage during Halloween Week.
Lauren Oakley, 33,who replaced her last week, will now perform with JB Gill permanently going forward in the competition.
The news was confirmed by Fleur East on today's episode of It Takes Two, with an official statement being posted on Strictly's socials shortly afterwards.
Moments later, Amy made a statement of her own, praising the show, her journey to get back to the series after her cancer diagnosis, and her hopes for JB and Lauren going forward.
And Lauren responded in the comments, writing: “This too shall pass. We're still a team. Love you. You did the ground work, I'll carry your partnership forward and hopefully make you proud."
Posting an emotional statement on Instagram, Amy wrote: "My heart is breaking right now. 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."
"My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the Strictly dance floor," she continued.
"It's been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 too. Which with my incredible team we got there. Something I wanted to do for myself and loved ones.
"There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my Strictly family."
"Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB," she added of her partner.
"Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we was creating together with a blossoming friendship.
"JB thank you for being the perfect partner back," she added. "We topped the leader board week one and continued to work so hard and thank you for being so passionate about understanding the ballroom and Latin fundamentals.
"For me that rumba will always be one of my favs. I'm so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short."
"My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well 'this too shall pass' and I'll be soon better and back dancing," she said.
"Something I've had to get used to in my life."
"I'm sure at some point we will dance again JB To all the fans, to my loved ones, my strictly family thank you."
Ending the message, she added: "JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor I'll forever be your biggest cheerleader."
Amy, who has Crohn's Disease and has been battling cancer, missed the results programme last week after she was rushed to hospital.
A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year.
"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."
It Takes Two host Fleur East revealed the news live on the spin-off show with the star saying: "Sending you all our love Amy, get well soon."
