Strictly's Amy Dowden makes emotional return with epic dance after cancer battle as viewers say they're 'sobbing'
Amy Dowden has made a triumphant return to Strictly Come Dancing, and fans couldn't be happier. The sparkling BBC One show was back on our screens on Saturday (September 14), launching its 20th series. Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were there as always, welcoming another group of 15 celebs to the dance floor for its pre-recorded launch show.
Amy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and consequently had to step down from the show last year, returned to the show with a stunning dance. Fans were exhilarated as they flocked to X, previously known as Twitter, sharing their excitement at Amy's return to Strictly. One fan gushed: "Welcome back Amy, the Queen of Strictly."
Another gleefully remarked: "Amazing seeing Amy take centre stage again." While a third chimed in, saying: "Fantastic to see her back on the dance floor." Another fan couldn't hold back their emotion, stating: "I am sobbing, it's amazing to see amy on the dance floor again." A fourth added "Amy is the Strictly's people princess".
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During the launch show, Amy was paired up with JLS star JB Gill. When Claudia asked Amy how she felt to be back, Amy said: “I’m delighted and it feels like my first year over again and I just want JB to have the best time and fall in love with dancing.
JB added: “Amy's brilliant, plus she’s got experience with popstars, so I know I’m in good hands!”. In a joyous post earlier in June, Amy announced her return on her social media. She shared with fans just how elated she was to get back into the swing of things.
Beaming with happiness, she shared: "I'm so happy and grateful to be back on Strictly - MY HEART IS SO HAPPY! " Continuously exuding joy, Amy added: "The best team on and off the dance floor and I can't wait to be back doing what I love most in the world, dancing! Feel blessed and more excited than EVER. Bring it on! ".
Amy first joined Strictly in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. Over the years, she's danced with stars such as James Bye, Tom Fletcher and Brian Conley, reports the Mirror. However, last year, Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer, which meant she had to miss out on the 2023 edition of the BBC show to undergo treatment.
Thankfully, things have been looking up for Amy as she was told that there was no evidence of cancer in her body after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery. And on Saturday (September 14), Amy was back on the Strictly dance floor, much to the delight of viewers at home. Amy performed an incredible dance routine with her fellow pros, marking her return to the Ballroom.
The launch show also introduced fans to the 2024 contestants like Tasha Ghouri and Nick Knowles who have all signed up to strut their stuff in hopes of securing a place in the final and winning the coveted Glitterball trophy. Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke were also present, ready to share their initial thoughts on the pairings.