Amy Dowden returns to Strictly filming after devastating exit from 2024 competition
Welsh dancer Amy Dowden has made a triumphant return to the Strictly Come Dancing world following her recent injury. The Caerphilly-born professional dancer was recently spotted entering Elstree Studios in London ahead of recording the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special episode.
The 34-year-old missed out on having a celebrity dance partner on the BBC One show in 2023 amid her treatment for stage three breast cancer. In September, she returned for the 20th anniversary series where she was partnered with JLS singer JB Gill until she pulled out of the competition earlier in the month following an "insufficiency stress fracture" on her shin.
The professional dancer was then replaced by Lauren Oakley, with the pair still competing in the BBC dance show. News of her injury left Amy heartbroken. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
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Soon after it was confirmed she would not be returning to this year's series, she said: "My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again. My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the strictly dance floor. It's been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 too.
"Which with my incredible team we got there. Something I wanted to do for myself and loved ones. There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my strictly family. Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB. Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we was creating together with a blossoming friendship.
"JB thank you for being the perfect partner back. We topped the leader board week one and continued to work so hard and thank you for being so passionate about understanding the ballroom and Latin fundamentals. For me that rumba will always be one of my favs . I'm so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short.
"My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well 'this too shall pass' and l'll be soon better and back dancing. Something l've had to get used to in my life. I'm sure at some point we will dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved ones, my strictly family thank you. I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor . I'll forever be your biggest cheerleader."
On Monday, December 2, it was confirmed the celebrity lineup for Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas Special for this year. Six stars across TV, radio and comedy will be competing for the festive trophy.
The lineup includes racing driver and TV presenter Billy Monger, who will be partnered with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, Eastenders actress Tamzin Outhwaite who will be paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, Gladiators' star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who will be dancing with Nancy Xu, presenter and reality TV star Vogue Williams who will be teaming up with professional dancer Gorka Marquez, Welsh drag artist Tayce who will be paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington and comedian Josh Widdicombe, who will be paired with professional dancer Karen Hauer.
