BBC Strictly fans 'in tears' as 'brave' Amy Dowden returns after hospital dash

Fans of BBC Strictly Come Dancing have praised 'brave' Amy Dowden after she returned to the show last week. It comes after the 34-year-old 'collapsed' backstage after the live performance on October 26.

Her celebrity partner, JB Gill, danced with Lauren Oakley this week while Amy recovered. But she still made an appearance on the screen during the broadcast.

Fans "crushed" demeanour and "brave" face before she burst into tears during the live episode. Amy sobbed as Lauren and JB scooped a hugely impressive 39 out of 40 for their routine.

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One fan said: "Amy's putting on a brave face but she looks crushed. It's making me cry." A second added: "I think it was probably a lot of things.

"Sad that she wasn't well enough to dance herself, angry that she's had so many health issues, proud of JB for dancing so well, grateful to Lauren for stepping in. Maybe some jealousy and shame too because they are both slippery emotions that rear their head when we're feeling vulnerable.

"Just a lot of different emotions." A third wrote: "Me and my OH said if she comes back what does she do if his scores plummet. It must be so hard for her." One person admitted: "I cried too! I don't cry for SCD."

Viewers are now calling for Lauren Oakley to be a permeant fixture in the series. She first joined the BBC show back in 2022, The Sun reports.

One wrote on X: "NEVER and I mean NEVER not give Lauren a partner again! Love her." Another commented: "Dear Strictly. Never bench Lauren Oakley again. thank you."