STRICTLY star Amy Dowden was rushed to hospital last night after collapsing backstage following the main show.

The Welsh dancer – who has Crohns Disease and has been battling cancer – was attended by paramedics at Elstree Studios and taken away in an ambulance.

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An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called just after 9pm on Saturday to attend a medical emergency at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.

“An ambulance was sent to the scene. One patient, an adult female, was transported to Barnet Hospital for further care.”

The BBC would not confirm if she took part in the results show, but it is understood that Gill was seen taking part in the results show without her.

A statement from Amy’s spokesperson reads: “Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution.

She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern.

“We request Amy’s privacy in matters of health is kindly respected.”

Amy, 34, rejoined the series this year after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May of last year and couldn’t fully participate in the 2023 show.

She has previously talked at length about the excruciating pain she suffers as a result of her Crohns, an inflammatory disease of the digestive system, and how it has hospitalised her on many occasions.

Together with JB Gill the pair were one of the most successful duos of this year, regularly finishing near the top of the scoreboard, although they were in last week’s dance off and were saved by the judges, sending Paul Merson and Karen Hauer home.

Before her return to Strictly, Amy faced moths of gruelling cancer treatment and was forced to step back from the series last year.

And it’s touching messages from fans that help her to stay on the show, as she revealed:  “I get so many messages about my smile. I do always look back and think, ‘Gosh, this time last year I was having chemo, this time last year I was in hospital with a blood clot’.

“What a difference a year can make.

“I get messages every day from people saying, ‘I’m going through chemo and you’re my hope’, or, ‘Because of you I’ve checked myself and I found a lump’, or some-thing like this. I’m just grateful to be back and be in the position I am.”

After Amy was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2023, just a couple of months later she was told she had another type of cancer, which was found elsewhere in the body.

Following undergoing a mastectomy, she was told the tumours had spread and was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in July of the same year.

And in August 2024, her return to Strictly was thrown into chaos when doctors raised concerns about abnormalities in her breast following a check-up.

Thankfully, Amy received the all-clear from her consultant.

As of September 3, 2024, her cancer is currently in remission.

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The Voice UK fans have been left frustrated after the season finale ended on an unexpected note.

The latest season of the singing competition came to a conclusion on Saturday night (26 October) with the final four acts taking to the stage for the last time.

Ava, Billy & Louis, Deb-Ora, and Storra all performed to thrilled reactions from their coaches: Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, and LeeAnn Rimes.

Fans were similarly taken aback by the great performances, but were left confused when host Emma Willis declared that the winner would be decided via a studio vote.

In some previous seasons of the TV competition, the public would have a say in deciding the winner. This year, viewers at home were disappointed to learn they could not contribute given that the series was pre-recorded, with filming beginning in February 2024 and concluding in June.

“Not being live is very annoying,” wrote someone on X/Twitter. “Leaving it down to the studio audience to vote.”

One person wrote: “I think the public should vote on The Voice UK, not the audience.”

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Another added: “How poor is it that the winner is decided by 200 audience members who have applied for free tickets […] and not the viewing public!”

“That’s crazy,” wrote someone else. “It really diminishes the show by not having a public vote.”

One fan did not mince their words, writing on X/Twitter: “Genuinely disgusted with ITV for letting the studio audience decide after a whole series! 200 free ticket holders is absurd.”

“Not even a live studio audience and doesn’t seem the biggest, too,” said another person. “Disappointing for a final. Plus no public vote.”

Someone else added: “They want you to watch The Voice UK every week but you cannot vote for [your] favourite. Down to studio audience. Rubbish.”

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“I’m crazy bitter that we can’t vote,” said one person.

Some people, however, did take solace in the fact that they agreed with the studio audience’s choice of winner: “At least it was the right result, though.”

“Despite it being a s*** format with no public vote, the right person won! Well done Ava,” said a second person.

It was Bristol singer Ava who triumphed after an emotional rendition of her original song “The Long and Winding Road”. Speaking after her win was announced, the 21-year-old said: “Speechless like I am every time, but more speechless this time.”

BOSSES behind this year’s Strictly Come Dancing have set their eyes on attracting talent like Miranda Hart for next year, and are using their contestants this year to get them on board.

Comedy actress Sarah Hadland is taking part in this year’s series, and proving one to watch, but BBC bosses are keen to entice her best friend Miranda Hart to join a future series.

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The Call the Midwife actress is said to be on BBC bosses hit list with their hopes lying with Sarah to impress her co-star and pal to sign up next year.

An insider told The Mail on Sunday: “Sarah and Miranda used to watch Strictly at home together before Sarah was on it.

“It was their joint dream to be on [the show]. Ultimately, Miranda would love to go on the show.”

They added: “The BBC is desperate to get the big names back on the show.

“If they could tempt Miranda onto it, then it could encourage other big celebrities to do it again.

“Sarah is their hope because she’s so close to Miranda.”

The comments come after Sarah was one of the top scorers on Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing for her Argentine Tango with partner Vito Coppola, which saw the professional split his pants whilst performing.

During their routine, Vito dressed in a pair of figure-hugging three-quarter pants, white tights and a waistcoat.

He was seen throwing Sarah around in a series of daring lifts and at the end of the dance, before his pants split.

Vito was seen holding his bottom to conceal the rip when he left the dancefloor and during the judges feedback.

Speaking to Claudia Winkleman in the clauditorium, Vito said: “Everything is together, a bit of overbalance, everything happened right now.

“My wig and you and the dress, and my trousers broke right here.”

The judges scored the pair an impressive 38 for their dance, with Anton du Beke and Motsi Mabuse awarding a 10 points.

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STRICTLY Come Dancing viewers were left in hysterics after witnessing the ‘perfect moment’ last night.

Saturday evening’s instalment of the BBC competition saw the remaining celebrities and pro dancers dress up for Halloween Week.

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And even the judging panel got into the spooky spirit.

Fans were left laughing out loud when they realised pro dancer Carlos Gu – who is not partnered with anyone this year – had decided to dress up as.

The dancer looked chic in an oversized blazer, lace skirt and black bob wig.

As soon as he stood next to presenter Claudia Winkleman it became clear who his costume was inspired by.

Many rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to praise the star for his creativity.

One wrote on the platform: “Carlos dressed as Claudia. He has won Halloween 2024.”

Another added: “Winner of this week’s strictly for me is Carlos dressed as Claudia!”

A third added: “Carlos absolutely wins #strictly tonight.”

“OMG Carlos is actually looking very much like Claudia!,” a fourth commented.

A fifth said: “Carlos just won Halloween for me! Iconic.”

After the show the pair posed for a snap together and Claudia shared it on her Instagram page.

She wrote: “I love @gkx_carlos ❤️.”

Carlos replied: “Love you to bits ! X.”

Former Strictly winner Stacey Dooley wrote in the comments section: “@sineadmckeefry now ordering 2 of everything 😭💅🏼🤜🏻🤛🏻👏🏻.”

Professional Karen Hauer added: “The best.”

The Halloween costumes for the Strictly Come Dancing judges have been dubbed ‘greatest thing on the show’.

Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke stole the show with their efforts – as they dressed up as the creepy twins from iconic horror film The Shining.

Oti Mabuse dressed up as Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmations, and Shirley Ballas was Winifred from Hocus Pocus.

After last night’s show, actress Sarah Hadland and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick are at the top of the leaderboard.

The two were awarded an incredible 38 points for their performances.

Meanwhile Chris McCausland and Dr Punam Krishan are at the bottom with the lowest scores.

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The Halloween season is officially upon us, and with it, the typical eeriness of the holiday.

From Ryan Murphy’s spine-chilling anthology series American Horror Story, to horror film classics like The Shining and Psycho, there is truly no shortage of thrilling content to stream while you carve pumpkins or sort through piles of Halloween candy.

But if you’re someone who prefers cozier entertainment, you’re probably looking for something that will bring more joy and laughter rather than shrieks and jump scares.

In the spirit of a more family-friendly holiday, we’ve compiled seven of the best Halloween sitcom episodes that are sure to bring you just that.

How I Met Your Mother (Season 1, Episode 6) – Netflix

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Perhaps what made the CBS hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother, which follows a group of five friends in New York City, so unforgettable was its numerous callbacks and running gags.

Throughout the show’s nine-season run, one beloved reference was series lead Ted Mosby’s (Josh Radnor) obsession with the “Slutty Pumpkin,” his nickname for a mystery woman (Katie Holmes) he once met at a rooftop Halloween party.

In the show’s first of three Halloween episodes, titled “The Slutty Pumpkin,” hopeless romantic Ted returns to the same annual rooftop party in hopes of reuniting with the woman dressed in a sexy pumpkin costume.

By the end of the episode, he’s left disappointed after he’s unable to track down his lost love. It isn’t until season seven that he finally meets the mystery woman in episode eight’s “The Slutty Pumpkin Returns.”

Broad City (Season 4, Episode 6) – Hulu

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In the only Halloween-themed episode throughout the Comedy Central sitcom Broad City, season four’s “Witches” confronts two terrifying realities: aging and the 2016 election of former president Donald Trump.

While the episode isn’t overtly Halloween-themed, with no costumes or trick-or-treating, it does expertly satirize the idea of fear itself. As Abbi (Abbi Jacobson) faces the anxiety of growing older, Ilana (Ilana Glazer) tends to her sexual frustration brought on by Trump’s presidential victory.

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Friends (Season 8, Episode 6) – Max

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It may have taken Friends eight seasons to finally air a Halloween episode, but it was well worth the wait. In “The One with the Halloween Party,” which holds a near-perfect 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the six friends celebrate the holiday at Monica’s (Courteney Cox) Halloween party.

As Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) comes to terms with her newly discovered pregnancy, and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) falls in love with her twin sister’s fiancé (played by a young Sean Penn), the episode maintains its notable witty banter and light-hearted tone.

On IMDb, one user even went so far as to declare it one of the show’s “most hilarious episodes.”

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In true Black-ish fashion, an important lesson is imparted in the most unserious of ways during its Halloween episode, “Jacked o’ Lantern.”

When Dre’s (Anthony Anderson) nieces and nephews roll into town for the holiday, he looks forward to the boisterous crew toughening up his “soft” children.

Featuring a special guest appearance by Good Morning America host and former NFL star Michael Strahan as Dre’s cousin, a key takeaway from the episode is that family may toughen you up, but they also have your back. 

Superstore (Season 5, Episode 6) – Hulu

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America Ferrera’s store manager Amy deals with more tricks than treats in Superstore’s Halloween episode.

In season five’s “Trick-or-Treat,” Amy goes above and beyond to try and makeher Cloud 9 storeas festive as possible in an attempt to impress the new district manager.

Her colleague-turned-boyfriend Jonah (Ben Feldman) collects the last of the union cards, while employees Cheyenne (Nichole Sakura) and Mateo (Nico Santos) ponder the possibility that any one of their co-workers could be a murderer.

Modern Family (Season 2, Episode 6) – Hulu

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Modern Family may have numerous Halloween episodes, but its very first one – aptly titled “Halloween” – was perhaps its best.

As Halloween enthusiast Claire (Julie Bowen) is focused on setting up Dunphy’s Haunted House Fiasco, Phil (Ty Burrell) unearths a new fear: divorce. Meanwhile, Cam (Eric Stonestreet) gets candid with his dislike of the holiday, citing a traumatic childhood experience, and Gloria (Sofía Vergara) is teased for her accent.

This episode has all the fixings of a festive Halloween night, including an impressive haunted house and extravagant costumes and makeup. Modern Family truly kicked off its run of Halloween episodes with a bang.

Abbott Elementary (Season 2, Episode 6) – Hulu

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What’s scarier than a child running entirely on sugar? An entire school full of them. Abbott Elementary’s Halloween episode, titled “Candy Zombies,” finds the Philadelphia teachers living this exact nightmare after the students get their hands on towering trash bags filled with “two Halloweens worth of candy.”

Together, the educators must work together to round up the students and tire them out, before things get wildly out of hand.

EX EMMERDALE star Alexander Lincoln has revealed a first look of his new Hollywood movie role.

The actor, who played Jamie Tate on the ITV soap, shared snaps from behind-the-scene, including a picture of his character at the altar.

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Alexander has taken on a role in The Groomsmen, as he stars as Zack alongside Jonathan Bennett, B.J. Britt and Owen Davis.

He is seen wearing a suit on what appears to be his wedding day.

Alexander has also posted candid shots from the set, including him relaxing in a hammock in between filming and his co-stars boarding a plane.

He captioned it: “To those of you who are in the States! (And possibly other places) THE GROOMSMAN Trilogy is now streaming! (The third and final being released next week) Go have a watch if you can!

“It was genuinely up there with the most fun I’ve had on a shoot – the pictures don’t even nearly do it justice.

“The team were and are amazing; love to all of you!”

His co-stars have raved about their on-screen partnership with Alexander.

Co-star Jonathan Bennett has shared a gushing post dedicated to Andrew on Instagram as he told fans: “Get ready for the epic love story set in the most beautiful gay destination of all, Greece. My love for @alexander_lincoln is off the charts.

“He’s the biggest idiot you will ever meet and I mean that whole heartedly. Thank you Alex for bringing Zack and Danny’s story to life in ways I didn’t imagine.”

Co-star James Vaughan also commented on the post as he wrote: “I wanna say something smart like usual but this love story is so dang cute and well done I’m just gonna tell everybody to watch it tomorrow.”

Alexander also shared a snap of him and his Jonathan suited and booted to his story, as he urged fans to watch the film once it airs.

Alexander is best known for playing Jamie Tate in Emmerdale from 2019 to 2021, with his last appearance being in November of that year, with villagers believing the character to be dead after his car crashed into a lake.

But soap fans know Jamie survived and is alive and well away from the village, leaving the door open for a potential return.

Yet fans may be waiting a while as Alexander is now firmly in Hollywood, with his latest role.

With Alexander’s career taking off, it seems a return to Emmerdale is not on the cards at the moment, but he hasn’t ruled it out in the future. 

He previously told Attitude magazine that talks had taken place.

He said: “I loved the show. I lived in Leeds for two-and-a-half-years. I miss everyone from the show deeply. No one knew who I was before it — I’d done some very tiny things. It was my initiation into the acting world.

“I can never thank them enough for that experience. But I don’t know, to be honest. There have been talks. But for now, I really want to focus on this year: I want to produce, start my own scripts.

“There are other parts I want to play. There are time constraints. Being on the show, it’s such hard work — you don’t have time to do anything else. Booking a holiday is hard enough.”

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Alexander has also notably appeared in Dolly Alderton’s BBC series Everything I Know About Love and the Netflix comedy-drama Geek Girl. 

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