Amy Dowden dubbed 'best teacher' by 'heartbroken' Strictly Come Dancing partner JB Gill
JLS singer JB Gill has shared a heartfelt message to his Strictly Come Dancing partner after she was forced to leave the show due to injury.
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Professional dancer Amy Dowden announced on Monday (November 4) that she would not be returning to the series after she broke her foot during training.
The 34-year-old BBC star, who runs a dance studio in Cradley Heath, had only just returned to the show for its 20th anniversary series after
However, two weeks ago she was taken to hospital as a "precaution" after she began "feeling unwell" before revealing that she had been injured in an Instagram post. Dowden said that being back on the dance floor made her "feel free again" and that she was "heartbroken" to be stepping down from the competition.
But it appears she's not the only one devastated by the news as her dancing partner JB Gill made an emotional tribute to their time together on social media. The 37-year-old JLS member praised her “fight and determination” following her departure.
He added that he is so “grateful” to the Welsh dancer for “everything she’s done" and they were “so excited to work together”.
JB continued: “It’s been heartbreaking seeing the wonderful journey we’d begun come to a halt. That said, I have nothing but admiration for you. Your fight and determination are second to none.
“Your dedication to your art shines through in your passion for what you love. You would literally give anything to be on that ballroom floor dancing and I feel truly honoured to have shared it with you for six weeks.
“Thank you for your patience and support through every week. Thank you for trusting me with your creativity, doing everything in your power to enhance my ability and make it resonate on a Saturday night.
“Thank you for being the best teacher and helping me to fall in love with new styles of dance week after week after week. You are one of life’s special people and although our Strictly journey ends here, you will dance again and I know it won’t be the end of our partnership.
“Our memories and moments will forever be in Strictly history and I have no doubt you’ll be back, stronger and better than ever. God bless you always.”
A spokesperson for the BBC confirmed Dowden's departure from the show while she "focuses on her recovery". They added: "The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes."
