carrying torch
Strictly’s Lauren Oakley makes sweet promise to Amy Dowden after she pulled out of the show
The professional dancer has replaced injured Amy as JB Gill's partner
STRICTLY dancer Lauren Oakley has promised to "carry the torch" for Amy Dowden after a medical emergency sparked her sudden exit.
The professional - who has known cancer survivor Amy since she was eight years old - has partnered up with JLS star JB Gill in her co-star's absence.
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Lauren, 33, appeared on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two last night as she paid tribute to her predecessor.
She told host Janette Manrara: "Leading on from the groundwork Amy's put in, I just want to carry the torch forward as much as I can because she's done all the work.
"I want to do the partnership justice and bring my flare to JB as well because he got the best of both worlds working with a couple of professionals."
Amy broke down in tears as she told fans she is "absolutely gutted" and "heartbroken" to pull out from the show.
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She collapsed after the live show on Saturday and was rushed to hospital by ambulance.
The 34-year-old later revealed she suffered an 'insufficiency stress fracture' on her shin.
It comes after her sensational return to the BBC show from a year off from breast cancer.
Amy says she is hopeful she will be back dancing "in some capacity" before the series ends next month.
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"Unfortunately JB has got to continue and we've got the amazing Lauren but hopefully I'll be back dancing in some capacity, maybe in a group number, by the end of the series. Fingers crossed," she said.
Amy said she has "spoken a lot to JB" and has praised his ability to pick up choreography quickly.
She then stressed that her injury is "just one of those things" and "could happen to anybody".
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