Amy Dowden has been forced to pull out of a scheduled Strictly Come Dancing appearance this weekend, after breaking her foot.

The professional dancer was set to make a big Blackpool special return on Saturday (November 18), after missing out on performing this season due to a devastating breast cancer diagnosis.

Taking to Instagram, Amy was downcast as she revealed that she won't make the Blackpool Tower show. Informing her followers, she said: "Not the week I was hoping for since finishing chemo.

"Port out but unfortunately gained a boot for a fractured foot. Absolutely gutted and heartbroken as this means the plans for me to dance in the Strictly Ballroom this year are no longer possible. This is what has kept me going the past few months. 2023 is certainly not my year, roll on 2024 I say!"

The Mirror reports that Amy's Strictly family rallied around her in support, with It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, writing: "Oh no! Well in that case 2024 could not be coming sooner," while dancer Dianne Buswell added: "Next year is yours!!!"

Amanda Abbington - who quit the show earlier this month - went on: "Sending you the most love!!! Rest up beautiful girl," while former contestant Colin Jackson, said: "Oh gutted for you, but yes, 2024 will be so much better."

Amy was diagnosed with cancer after finding a lump shortly before heading off on a honeymoon. She underwent a mastectomy a month following on from her diagnosis, but was told that she would need to have chemotherapy after doctors found cancer elsewhere in her body.

Shortly after starting chemotherapy, she made the heart-breaking decision to shave her hair. Soon after in another awful update, Amy announced that she had been rushed to hospital after suffering an infection and going into septic shock.

She detailed how 'frightened' she was after developing clots during her second round of chemo, but she has since finished the treatment - telling fans that her 'toughest journey yet' has come to an end. Taking to social media, she penned: "These past few months I look back and think how did my body get through this both physically and mentally.

"From the words I’m so sorry Amy, it’s cancer and what’s your fertility plans. To having a mastectomy, two weeks later hormone daily injections for egg retrieval, a little Crohns flare up and then on to chemo plus shutting down my ovaries on the same day which sadly led to sepsis, blood clots, losing my hair, my eyebrows, lashes (I have a few hanging in there) and three toe nails.

"But also it’s taken away my love of life these past few months and of course my DANCING!"

She added: "Thank you all for your love and support along the way. My dancing shoes are warming up and I can’t wait to get back in the training room!"

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