Strictly's Amy Dowden in tears as she gives update on injury

Watch: Amy Dowden opens about her early Strictly exit

What did you miss?

Amy Dowden broke down in tears as she said Strictly had been "the best rehab" after her health problems and that she was “gutted” about having to quit the 2024 series due to injury.

The pro dancer — who was paired with JLS star JB Gill — was taken to hospital after the BBC show two Saturdays ago and this week it was confirmed that she would have to sit out the rest of the series after injuring herself. Dowden had to miss Strictly 2023 too, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and had previously told of her joy at making it back onto the show.

The star broke her foot last year after finishing her cancer treatment but speaking on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two she said this time she had suffered a stress fracture and that it was unrelated. “I am absolutely gutted,” she said.

What, how and why?

Dowden was on the BBC show on Wednesday 6, November and became tearful as she talked to host Janette Manrara about leaving the competition.

“Unfortunately I have an insufficiency stress fracture, if I have said that right, on my shin — nothing to do with my injury last year," she said. "So yeah, I’m just absolutely gutted that I need to rest for a couple of weeks."

“JB obviously, he’s going to continue with the amazing Lauren (Oakley) but hopefully I will be back dancing in some capacity, maybe in a group number, by the end of the series. Fingers crossed.”

Manrara asked how important being back on Strictly had been to Dowden's "overall wellbeing" in the wake of her health problems, and she was emotional as she replied: "It was everything."

She paused to compose herself as the host reached over to hold her hand. "Sorry, I am heartbroken," she said. "Being back with the Strictly family was the best rehab."

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"I am just gutted because I was just having the best best time," she added. "You know what it's like. It's such an incredible experience and to have had it unfortunately cut short like this is just, it's heartbreaking.

"But I only know too well that this too shall pass, and I will be there cheering everybody on."

JB Gill said Amy Dowden was 'wonderful teacher'

Gill — who will continue in the contest with pro Lauren Oakley — then appeared in a special video message to thank Dowden for everything that she had done. "Hey partner," he said.

"Just a little note to say that you are a wonderful teacher, a beautiful soul and that you are going to be back dancing better and stronger very very soon."

"Thank you for absolutely everything over the last few months," the JLS star added.

Strictly: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two at 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One at 6.25pm on Saturday.