Strictly star Amy Dowden speaks out after 'unexpected' hospital dash
She missed the show at the weekend following an 'unexpected' health scare
Last updated 30th Nov 2021
Strictly Come Dancing professional dancing Amy Dowden was rushed to hospital over the weekend after an 'unexpected flare up' of her Crohn’s disease.
The star, who was paired with Tom Fletcher until they were eliminated in Week Nine, had to pull out of Saturday’s show.
Amy revealed she has been cared for by Strictly celebs Tom Fletcher and Sara Davies, who stepped in while her husband Ben Jones was working away from home.
Sara said she and Tom watched in tears as Amy was taken to hospital in the back of an ambulance.
Speaking about her ordeal on Instagram, Amy told fans: 'Thanks for the all messages over the weekend. Unfortunately, I was missing from the show as I had an unexpected Crohn’s flare up and hospital admission in which I received unbelievable care. I’m recovering very well and certainly being well looked after and look forward to returning to the dance floor.
'Big thanks to lovely @saradaviescc and @tomfletcher for taking care of me (of all the days to be poorly, Ben was in Blackpool with the dance school).
'To the Fletchers who made sure I had everything and more at the hospital, have brought me back to theirs where the whole family are giving me all the love, care, burnt toast (Tom), unlimited supply of @mrsgifletcher clothes along with @tomfletcher sock choice😜 you could possibly need, lots of drawings and pretend injections from my new doctors Buzz, Buddy and Max. Thank you, they really were sent to me 💖💖'
Amy has been incredibly open about her battle with Crohn’s disease and produced a BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Crohn’s And Me that aired in September 2021, where Amy shared her personal story, including that she has been hospitalised more than 100 times.
The documentary even won a BAFTA, with Amy being presented the award by Tom on an episode of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
We hope Amy is back dancing very soon!
Check out all the celebrities who turned down Strictly Come Dancing:
Michelle Keegan
Despite bosses being eager to get Michelle Keegan on the show, the former Coronation Street actress had to turn down the proposition due to her ITV contract at the time.
She's since revealed she's been asked a number of times to appear, but she's always turned it down because she's too 'nervous' with the live audience.
However, she was in the audience when her husband Mark Wright appeared in 2014.
Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher was approached by bosses not long after Oasis split. However, much to EVERYBODY'S disappointment, the singer turned them down.
Jodie Comer
Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer was reportedly asked to sign up for the show in 2018, but the Liverpudlian said she didn't want to 'embarrass' herself!
Fast-forward to 2020 and Jodie was also favourite to appear, but that didn't happen either!
Louis Walsh
After being axed from The X Factor by Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh was offered a slot on Strictly. He said in an interview at the time, "The day before the call from The X Factor, I got a call to be a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. I thought, 'I'd love to do it, just to annoy Simon'."
Piers Morgan
There's no doubt that controversial TV host Piers Morgan would get people talking on the show. But he's previously turned it down saying, "They've offered me vast sums of money to go and humiliate myself on national TV. But I prefer to do it with a bottle of Jack Daniel's in the privacy of my own home."
Mel C
Former Spice Girls singer Mel C reportedly turned down an offer for Strictly due to the 's--t pay'. She said, "The problem is if you do Strictly it's so high profile and you'll find yourself in the news every day. And the money's s---."
Nadiya Hussain
She's the Queen of Bake-Off, but star baker Nadiya Hussain turned down a spot on the 2018 series after admitting she likes to enjoy the show with her family.
Sir Patrick Stewart
Actor Sir Patrick Stewart admitted he would have taken part in the show in the early years, but not so much now.
David Harewood
Homeland actor David Harewood turned down the show in 2013, the reason... because he didn't fancy wearing spandex!
Maya Jama
The Circle host Maya Jama was a firm-favourite to appear on the 2018 series of Strictly. However, Maya turned it down after admitting "now isn't the right time".
Pippa Middleton
After stealing the show at her sister Kate Middleton's wedding to Prince William, Strictly bosses were keen to sign up Pippa, even offering her a five-figure sum.
Bradley Wiggins
Olympic legend Bradley wiggins is used to wearing tight-fitting clothing for his sport, but the cyclist didn't seem keen on sparkly lycra!
Mel Giedroyc
Former host of The Great British Bake-Off Mel Giedroyc is such a big fan of Strictly, she admitted she didn't want to 'spoil it' by taking part.
Alan Titchmarsh
Popular TV personality Alan Titchmarsh has turned down the show a number of times, adding, "I'd rather be either interviewing someone or teaching people how to grow things or whatever".
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
After her amazing success for Team GB at the Olympics, Strictly bosses were keen to get Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill on the show.
However, she turned it down, adding, "I've been asked to do it a few times and I love watching it, but I'm not sure. I would be terrible. I'm not ready for Strictly. I'll stick to my cycle and a bit of running here and there, I think."
Noel Edmonds
Former Deal or no Deal host Noel Edmonds turned down a slot on the show due to the famous 'Strictly curse'.
Read more:
Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Everything you need to know
Why Strictly is not going to Blackpool this year
Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai and AJ address romance rumours