BBC Strictly pro issues emotional Amy Dowden statement as she says 'we're gutted'

Strictly Come Dancing's Jowita Przystal has broken her silence on co-star Amy Dowden's recent hospitalisation, revealing the distress it caused among the cast of the beloved BBC show.

While appearing on ITV's This Morning on Wednesday, October 30, Jowita discussed Amy's absence from the competition during Icons week. Amy, a Welsh professional dancer who has openly shared her battles with Crohn's Disease and cancer, is said to be "doing much better" but will not participate in this week's Strictly episode following a collapse during last Saturday's live show.

Jowita, speaking on This Morning, expressed the collective disappointment of the Strictly team, saying "we're all gutted."

She confirmed to Alison that, due to Amy's emergency situation, she would indeed be missing from the upcoming show.

In light of Amy's health issues, Lauren Oakley, aged 33, is stepping up to train and dance with JB Gill, 37, for the upcoming Strictly challenge. The incident last Saturday was severe, requiring firefighters to employ special equipment to move Amy safely from the Strictly set and her flat to an ambulance, reports Birmingham Live.

During Sunday night's broadcast, the absence of Amy Dowden was notably felt, prompting hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly to announce to viewers: "Before we get started, Amy isn't able to be with us for tonight's show."

The poignant moment left JB standing alone on the famous staircase, who later acknowledged his progression to the next round with a smile and a heartfelt "Thank you" to the sound of audience applause.

JB has since been spotted with Lauren at rehearsals ahead of the highly anticipated Icons week, as he battles to stay out of the Dance-off for a second week in a row.

Strictly airs on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC1 and iPlayer.