Neil Jones speaks out on Amy Dowden after BBC Strictly hospital dash as he delivers update: 'She's a trooper'
WATCH HERE: JB Gill and Amy Dowden Jive to Hey Ya! by Outkast on BBC Strictly
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones has spoken out about his fellow dancer Amy Dowden following her absence in Sunday's results show.
The 34-year-old Welsh dancer, who's been partnered with JB Gill for the 2024 series after missing out last year due to her cancer diagnosis, was rushed to hospital on Saturday night after collapsing backstage.
Neither Tess Daly nor Claudia Winkleman provided further context during Sunday's Strictly results show, with the former simply telling BBC viewers: "Amy is unable to be with us for tonight's show."
Prior to Sunday's show, Dowden's team confirmed the dancer "was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution" before revealing she was "feeling much better" and requesting Amy's privacy "in matters of health is kindly respected".
Dowden's dance partner Gill has also remained tight-lipped about Dowden's well-being but did provide an update about his future on the show and what routine he'll be gearing up for next week.
On Monday morning during an appearance on the BBC's Morning Live, Jones waded into the conversation surrounding Dowden, insisting she'll "come back stronger".
BBC Strictly: JB Gill and Amy Dowden had performed on Saturday night
BBC
Host Gethin Jones said to the Strictly star, who lost his spot in this series after being paired with Toyah Willcox: "You may have seen in the newspapers this morning that Amy wasn't there for the results show, it was just JB Gill.
"Amy was taken to hospital after collapsing on Saturday night. We hear she's okay now, Neil, but you know, she's doing so well after the cancer diagnosis, dancing there every week..."
Praising Dowden, Jones replied: "Honestly, she's a trooper. She's a trooper."
Looking ahead in the midst of her latest health woe, he added: "What she goes through and then she comes back and she's so strong.
BBC Strictly: Neil Jones discussed Amy Dowden during Monday's Morning Live
BBC
"We're always thinking about her. But yeah, she's incredible," Jones added.
He also praised the "brilliant" Punam Krishan for her Strictly stint after she bowed out of the competition this past weekend.
Dowden is yet to return to social media as she continues to recover from Saturday's hospital dash but Gill did release a statement after they made it through to Icons Week on behalf of them both.
He penned on Instagram: "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," Gill signed off.
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Dowden's hospital dash has led to concerns among Strictly Come Dancing fans given it's come less than a year after she completed chemotherapy treatment.
In May 2023, Dowden was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and has since undergone chemo, radiotherapy and a mastectomy to combat the disease.
In February this year, Dowden confirmed doctors had found "no evidence of disease" but admitted she wouldn't be given the "all-clear" for at least five years.
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