Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden shares emotional statement as she makes her return to show after cancer battle
AMY Dowden has emotionally thanked her Strictly Come Dancing family for their unwavering support during her battle with cancer as she returns to the show.
The professional dancer faced moths of gruelling cancer treatment and was forced to step back from the series last year.
She made her return to the iconic dancefloor today and Amy, 34, said being back in the studio was an incredible feeling.
The show favourite sent a special thanks to returning professional Aljaz Skorjanec who she danced with on the night.
She said: "Tonight I return to @bbcstrictly doing what I love most DANCING with these talented souls.
"A big thank you to the entire strictly family on and off the dance floor for all your support through everything and to @jasongilkison for choreographing this beautiful number for my return!
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"@aljazskorjanec for partnering me and making me feel confident.
"It was so special as I had my husband and family in the audience.
"Their first time watching me dance again!
"So grateful to everyone and excited for the months ahead. #whatadifferenceayearmakes Tune in tonight for the fabulous strictly launch show 7.20pm bbc 1 #keepdancing -#backwhereibelong #strictlyfamily #dance #strictlycomedancing.";
Fans who have rallied around Amy over the past two years replied in their droves.
One penned: "Awww so excited to see you back where you belong!"
Another said: "So excited to see you back in your happy place!!"
Amy shared a photo of the professionals dressed in school uniform inspired outfits.
She stood out from the crowd in pink in a symbolic outfit as she took centre stage in her first performance with her pals.
Tonight, Strictly will pay tribute to brave Amy who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year.
Amy Dowden's Strictly comeback
By Mary Gallagher, Senior Showbiz Reporter
Amy Dowden's triumphant return to Strictly is a much needed boost of positivity for the show, after a year full of scandals and profesionals being axed.
Over the past 18 months, the fabulous Welsh dancer has been on a rollercoaster health journey.
In May last year, she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, had a mastectomy, and then faced chemo by the end of 2023.
And just when we thought things couldn’t get worse, she revealed doctors found a clot on her lung.
But, in true Amy style, she wasn’t about to let that stop her and just a month later, she made a beautiful and emotional return to Strictly for a special appearance in 2023, leaving us all grabbing for tissues.
Fast forward to this year, Amy opened up about that nightmare journey in a candid documentary about her treatments, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, which is available on BBC iPlayer and an insightful watch.
She’s now back to her fun-loving self - and is still a ray of sunshine.
Honestly, we can’t wait to see her light up the dancefloor for the 2024 series!
During that time, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, and nearly died from sepsis.
She was given the all clear earlier this year.
Strictly's Executive Producer, Sarah James said: "We are all so incredibly happy that Amy is back in the Strictly Ballroom.
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"She will bring her sparkle, passion for dance, creative choreography and Welsh charm.
"Welcome back Amy, let’s make it the best year yet!"