Amy Dowden's Strictly return 'confirmed' after star collapsed during live show

After impressing everyone with her return to Strictly Come Dancing, Amy Dowden seemed poised to clinch the glitterball trophy this year. However, after undergoing cancer treatment recently, the 34-year-old pro dancer suffered a setback when she collapsed backstage just moments following her Saturday night performance alongside celebrity partner JB Gill.

Strictly bosses promptly arranged for medical assistance when Amy was taken ill unexpectedly. At that point, the severity of her condition was not clear, reports the Mirror.

The scare comes not long after her diagnosis with breast cancer discovered during her honeymoon, which led to a stage three diagnosis and subsequent mastectomy last year.

Thankfully, after several months of therapy, in March, Amy shared uplifting news of a scan indicating 'no evidence of disease'. Her focus then returned to pursuing her passion. Nevertheless, her sudden collapse raised concern among her fans.

A spokesperson for Amy said: "Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution. She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern. We request Amy's privacy in matters of health is kindly respected."

Amy's dance partner JB expressed his gratitude to their fans after her recent health situation. He took to Instagram to convey his message, saying: "On behalf of both @amy-dowden and I, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for voting for us and wishing us well. We absolutely loved our performance on Saturday night and are so grateful to be through to another week on @bbcstrictly Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support."

Although Amy was absent from Sunday's show, she and JB managed to achieve a impressive 32 points. However, earlier in the week, a statement was released by Strictly officials regarding her temporary replacement.

The notice detailed: "Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well. She is delighted that fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday's show for JB Gill's Couple's Choice dance."

It continued: "We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week."

Yet the most significant indication that Amy might return soon emerged as Lauren, Amy's stand-in, posted an intriguing update on Instagram. Signalling she won't be present for the weekend's Strictly, Lauren announced to her followers: "Guys! It's been a bit busy - BUT I'm still teaching my class THIS Sunday and would love to see you there.."

Amy has yet to comment on her own social media platforms, but it's positive news if she's recuperating and preparing to make a comeback to Strictly this Saturday evening. If she does, she and JB are scheduled to perform a Couple's Choice to a Bruno Mars song.

Strictly Come Dancing will be back on BBC1 on Saturday from 6.30pm.