Strictly pro admitted to hospital as she misses live tour dates

Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden has revealed she's been admitted to a hospital in Manchester following a Crohn's disease flare-up during the BBC show's live tour.

The pro took to Instagram on Monday (January 31) to share two selfies: one in which she's all dolled up and the other where she's lying in bed doing a half-hearted thumbs up.

"Not quite the weekend performing in Manchester I was expecting. The one pic is me all ready to dance, the following is literally a few hours later," she explained in the caption, adding that she shared the health update to highlight the realities of hidden chronic illnesses.

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"To me, my condition is at it's cruellest when it takes me away from my biggest passion, dancing! I can't thank my fellow cast enough… it certainly helps to have some strapping male dancers there to help carry you too," Dowden added.

"I love you all! To the entire @strictlycomedancinglive team, thank you! Thank you for the Incredible care I received in Manchester hospital and biggest thanks to all the fans who have sent such beautiful messages.

"I'm so sorry for not being able to perform for you! I'm feeling SO MUCH BETTER and I'll be back dancing with the gang, living the dream before you know it! Lots of Welsh love," she concluded, finishing off the post with a red heart emoji.

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Several of Dowden's friends sent their well wishes in the comments section, including Jowita Przystał, Nancy Xu, Colin Ray Jackson, Joanne Clifton, Stacey Dooley – who won Strictly back in 2018 – and judge Motsi Mabuse.

"Sending huge love to you my sweet," said presenter Gaby Roslin, as Neil Jones wrote: "You are incredible and the strongest person I know, I can’t wait to dance with you again."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.