Amy Dowden returns to Strictly Come Dancing with celebratory group dance

Strictly Come Dancing is set to commemorate Amy Dowden’s return with an enchanting quickstep group performance featuring the show’s professional dancers.

The Welsh ballroom dancer, who joined Strictly in 2017, missed last year’s series due to her recovery from treatment for stage three breast cancer. The diagnosis came in May 2023 when Dowden discovered a lump in her breast just before heading to the Maldives for her honeymoon with fellow dancer Ben Jones. In the nine months that followed, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and fertility treatment. By February, Dowden joyously received news that she had “no evidence of disease.”

As the show gears up for its new season this Autumn, Dowden’s remarkable comeback will be celebrated with a breathtaking quickstep performance, placing her in the spotlight. The performance will feature a medley of songs including Dua Lipa’s “Training Season,” Jungle’s “Busy Earnin’” and “Keep Moving,” with live accompaniment by Dave Arch and his band. The choreography, orchestrated by Jason Gilkison, promises to be nothing short of empowering and glamorous, offering a magnificent welcome for Dowden to the 22nd series.

Expressing her excitement, Dowden shared, “I am so excited for every element of being back with my Strictly family. I am so grateful to get this opportunity, especially as it’s such a special year for this legendary show.” Dowden further added, “It feels like it’s my first year again. I’m buzzing to see the whole team, for costumes, for dance routines, to meet the celebrities, the judges. Everyone’s laughing at me because I am just smiling constantly.”

Dowden’s performance holds a special dedication to those currently battling cancer and her “pink sisters” who have supported her throughout the past year. When her name was announced for the 2024 Strictly line-up, Dowden’s heartfelt message to her fans read, “My heart is so happy. The best team on and off the dance floor. Feel blessed and more excited than ever. Bring it on!”

However, Dowden’s return was nearly jeopardized due to a recent cancer scare. In her new documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, Dowden revealed that a routine MRI scan had shown changes in her breast, raising concerns about a possible recurrence of cancer. Despite her anxiety, Dowden braved through a biopsy, waiting for crucial results.

The documentary captures her moment of relief when the results revealed benign changes. Dowden exclaimed, “When the consultant told us there was no evidence of disease, it felt surreal. I’m so relieved. It feels like I’m set free.” Reflecting on her challenging journey over the past year, Dowden recounted, “In the past year, I’ve had a mastectomy, fertility treatment, chemotherapy, sepsis, blood clots, a broken foot and finally it’s time for me to get back on that dancefloor.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns this Autumn, promising heartfelt performances and inspiring stories as it continues to captivate audiences.

Source: BBC, Getty Images, BBC/Wildflame/Stephen Hart