Amy Dowden has confirmed she is battling illness just days before her return to the BBC ballroom with Thomas Skinner. The professional dancer appeared on 'It Takes Two' alongside her celebrity partner, but was notably subdued, prompting host Janette Manrara to acknowledge her condition.
Janette revealed that Thomas had prepared a special drink for Amy, saying: 'Amy, I know you're a little bit under the weather so excuse Amy today but he made you a beautiful drink to help you out.' A hoarse Amy added: 'With turmeric, ginger, pepper.' Janette reassured viewers she wouldn't make Amy talk too much.
Earlier in the week, Amy had shared on Instagram that Thomas made her his 'famous juice' for a sore throat, containing warm milk, manuka honey, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Thomas explained, 'I take it when I get up early for the market. It's cold - hopefully will make our Amy feel better.'
During the 'It Takes Two' appearance, Thomas opened up about his lifestyle change since starting the show, revealing: 'I have lost a stone since starting Strictly - I'm a stone lighter. I feel no different. I can't wait to get back in the caf. I have lost weight and I've noticed that my trousers are a little bit bigger.'
Fans expressed concern over the couple's upcoming dance, with some suggesting Thomas had been 'set up to fail' after being given the challenging Salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal this Saturday. One viewer wrote on X: 'The song for Skinner... Oh, they want him out bad,' while another commented: 'Two Latin dances back to back and Bonkers for a Salsa is a horrible song choice.'
