Strictly Come Dancing's Lauren Oakley breaks silence as she permanently replaces Amy Dowden

Pro has reached out with a message for following the news that she will permanently take over as 's dance partner on the show.

It's been confirmed that Amy, 34, will no longer compete in the latest series of the show after sustaining an injury. The news was shared in a statement by Strictly and Amy later posted about her departure on her account.

Reacting to her post, Lauren, 33 - who temporarily danced with JB, 37, on Saturday night's show - wrote to Amy: "This too shall pass. We're still a team. Love you. You did the ground work, I'll carry your partnership forward and hopefully make you proud."

JB , writing: "Heartbreaking news [Amy] but our moments will be forever in Strictly history, never forget that. Thank you for being the best teacher. Nothing but love from all of the Gill family." He added in a separate post: "Heartbroken for you right now [Amy] but like a phoenix you will rise. Isaiah 40:31."

Amy's departure was announced on companion show on Monday, with host sharing a statement from a Strictly spokesperson . The statement from a spokesperson for Strictly read: "Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley will step in as JB's dance partner. The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes."

Amy - who returned to Strictly this year after undergoing cancer treatment - in her own statement on Instagram. She wrote: "My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again. My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the strictly dance floor. It's been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 too.

"Which with my incredible team we got there. Something I wanted to do for myself and loved ones. There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my strictly family. Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB. Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we was creating together with a blossoming friendship. JB thank you for being the perfect partner back. We topped the leader board week one and continued to work so hard and thank you for being so passionate about understanding the ballroom and Latin fundamentals. For me that rumba will always be one of my favs. I'm so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short."

Amy continued: "My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well 'this too shall pass' and l'll be soon better and back dancing. Something l've had to get used to in my life. I'm sure at some point we will dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family thank you. I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I'll forever be your biggest cheerleader."

Lauren and JB weren't the only Strictly stars to have reacted to Amy's post. , who co-hosts the BBC show, wrote in response to the post: "We love you so much." Whilst judge said that Amy was "inspiring".

Motsi wrote: "Dear Amy, your courage and strength inspire us all. Taking this step to focus on your health is the most beautiful act of self-care and resilence. Know that the entire Strictly family and everyone who loves you are with you every step of the way. We miss you deeply on the dance floor but your well-being is what matters most. Sending you all my love, support and strength as you take this time to yourself. Can't wait to see you shining bright again when you're ready."

was among the fellow pros who reacted, with him writing: "Sending you all the love." commented: "My beautiful Amy. Sending you lots of love." said: "Sending you lots of love [Amy]." shared a heart emoji in the comments section.

It was reported earlier this month that Amy shortly after dancing with JB on October 26. It was confirmed that she had been taken to Barnet Hospital from Elstree Studios as a"precaution" after she began "feeling unwell". She from that weekend's results show but last week revealed that . She and sat out last weekend's show, with Lauren, who does not have a celebrity dance partner this year, standing in for her.

Lauren and JB's first routine together, which was for Icons Week, saw them perform a couple's choice routine to a medley, which earned them a score of 39 from the judges. It meant that they were joint top of the leaderboard with and her dance partner . Lauren and JB are set to perform their second routine together on Saturday.

Follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and .