Amy Dowden's future 'sealed' on Strictly after eight years on BBC show

Amy Dowden could potentially be taking a break from Strictly, according to the latest odds. It's been reported that the Welsh dancer could be leaving the long-running BBC show, notably after she was the first to be eliminated alongside Thomas Skinner this year. The 35-year-old star had to take time out of her role as a professional when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2023. In February last year, she was told she was cancer-free, and then returned to the ballroom where she was paired with JB Gill. However, she was forced to drop out mid-way through the competition due to a foot injury and was replaced by Lauren Oakley.

Wales Online have reported that, according to Betway, they are now predicting that Amy could take a break from Strictly, with 5/1 odds of her leaving. They also suggested that Amy could potentially head into the I'm A Celebrity jungle, with odds of 5/1.

Express Online has reached out to Amy's representative for comment.

It comes after Amy and her celebrity partner Thomas Skinner were the first pair to be eliminated from the dance competition. The duo performed a salsa to Dizzee Rascal's Bonkers, but it wasn't enough to impress judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, as all three opted to save Chris Robshaw.

This meant that Motsi Mabuse - who had the casting vote on this week's show - did not need to give her verdict, although she stated that she would have voted the same way when asked by presenter Tess Daly.

Reflecting on his time on Strictly, Thomas said: "I've loved it. I've never danced before and my stay was short, but Amy's amazing.

"It's been great fun and I've enjoyed it. I can't really dance that well but I've had fun! Thank you, Amy - sorry that we haven't done too good, 'cause you're a different class."

Meanwhile, Amy said: "We've laughed so much. We've worked so hard and a glitterball would have been amazing, but what I've learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more important than anything.

"There is a ballroom boy in there, so I'm a bit gutted he didn't get to do the ballroom, but the last three years, as you know, have been quite difficult for me. I lost all confidence as a dancer - but walking into the room with you with a massive smile and a laugh, you brought me back and, honestly, thank you."

Strictly Come Dancing resumes on Saturday 25 October on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.