Strictly’s Arlene Phillips breaks silence on ‘overwhelmed’ Amy Dowden’s collapse & says dancer is ‘the greatest fighter’

FORMER Strictly judge Dame Arlene Phillips says that Amy Dowden is the 'greatest fighter' on the BBC 1 Saturday night show but needs rest and care after collapsing backstage and being rushed to hospital.

The 34-year-old, who is in remission from breast cancer and also suffers from Crohn's Disease, won't be dancing on this week's show.

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She is thankfully reported to be doing 'much better', although no offical date for her return has yet been set.

But choreographer Arlene, who was a judge on the show from 2004-2008, insists that Amy wants to return, but will decide for herself when is the right time to do so.

Speaking to the , Arlene says: "Amy is a powerhouse and she wants to be back on that floor like everyone else.

"Maybe there was a moment that overwhelmed her and she does need rest and she does need care - she will accept that.

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 "Amy is the greatest fighter we have right now on the dance floor. 

And Arlene, 81, who left Strictly under a cloud, after suggesting the decision to replace her with 46-year-old Alesha Dixon was age-related, says Amy will be well looked after.

She adds: "Whatever happens will be the right decision, I know Strictly will take care of her but Amy is also her own woman and what she decides goes."

It was confirmed on Strictly spin off show, It Takes Two, that 33-year-old dancer Lauren Oakley will be stepping in for Amy on Saturday, and dancing with Amy's partner, 37-year-old former JLS star JB Gill.

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A BBC spokesperson said: "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, can step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday’s show for JB Gill’s Couple’s Choice dance."

Last year Amy said she was almost killed by sepsis while undergoing cancer treatment.

Speaking to she said she'd gone for a walk with her parents, and having initially felt fine, took a turn for the worse after arriving back at their house.

Her mum Gillian told the publication: "Amy’s symptoms got worse very, very quickly. At one point she felt OK, then suddenly she felt very ill – it happened in an instant.

"She went to stand, then just sort of crumpled back on to the settee.”

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