Strictly star Amy Dowden reveals illness ahead of Saturday's live show

Amy and partner Thomas Skinner are dancing a salsa this weekend

Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden has revealed she is unwell, days before the second live show.

Amy and celebrity partner Thomas Skinner appeared on It Takes Two tonight (October 2), where host Janette Manrara addressed Amy’s very croaky voice.

Amy Dowden on It Takes Two
Amy Dowden spoke about how Thomas Skinner was helping her through her illness [Credit: BBC]

Amy Dowden unwell ahead of Strictly week 2

Introducing the couple, Janette said: “It’s Tom and Amy!”

She then spoke to the former Apprentice star, asking him if he enjoyed his first live show.

Talk then turned to Amy. Janette said: “Now 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, didn’t he?”

“He did,” said a very hoarse Amy. “With tumeric, ginger, pepper.” “With everything in there, everything you need,” said Janette. “So I won’t make you talk too too much,” she said, before asking what Amy made of Thomas’ first dance.

Struggling to get her words out, she revealed that she found it “so rewarding” to see Thomas on the Strictly dance floor. “Seeing him transform, and to have the confidence that Tom had, you name it, you did such a great job,” she said as her voice broke again.

Viewers on the hashtag soon wished Amy better. However, one touched on her slightly controversial pairing with Thomas as they said: “And now poor Amy has the lurgy – girl can’t catch a break!”

Janette Manrara on It Takes Two
Janette promised she wouldn’t make Amy talk too much on the show tonight [Credit: BBC]

Thomas Skinner reveals weight loss

Thomas has also been concentrating on his health. He’s switched his fry ups for healthier breakfasts of fruit and yogurt, and he’s lost a stone since starting out on the show.

“I’ve noticed my trousers are getting a little bit bigger,” he said.

Good job Strictly costume designer Vicky Gill was also on It Takes Two tonight then, in case of any last-minute wardrobe alterations ahead of Saturday night!

Read more: Strictly star Vicky Pattison fights back tears as she makes family confession

It Takes Two is on weeknights at 6.30pm on BBC Two