Strictly's Amy Dowden officially returns to show and fans go wild
The fan favourite dancer has recovered from stage three breast cancer.
It's always exciting when a new season of Strictly Come Dancing gets underway, but this year is particularly special as it marks Amy Dowden's return to the show after a period of serious illness.
The professional dancer was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023, undergoing treatment that would have been difficult enough without the major complications she suffered, including sepsis and a blood clot.
But thankfully, she has come out the other side, with doctors declaring "no evidence" of cancer in her body as of February, which means Dowden has achieved her goal of returning to the BBC show that she loves.
Prior to the broadcast, she was sent a video message from the medical staff who treated her, wishing her "all the best" for the latest season – where she'll be partnered with JLS singer JB Gill.
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"You truly are an ambassador for the cause," said one of her doctors. "I'm sure you'll make it all the way to the final. Keep dancing!"
But clearly, no luck was needed as Dowden made her return, to wild applause, after a lengthy absence.
Viewers were clearly both proud and inspired to see Dowden rebound from such adversity, with the dancer giving two lively performances during the opening show.
At the end of one of the routines, Dowden was the centre of a massive group hug with the other Strictly Come Dancing professionals, who were clearly ecstatic to have her alongside them again.
The viewers felt similarly, with one tweeting: "Amy Dowden, we love you so much."
Last month, Dowden credited Strictly Come Dancing for helping her to discover her lump after becoming friends with Giovanna Fletcher, the wife of her former celebrity partner Tom Fletcher, through which she became aware of breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel.
Read more:
- Strictly Come Dancing 2024 couples confirmed – all the pairings revealed
- Strictly's Tom Dean got "slap on the wrist" after letting slip line-up news early
"Had I not been paired with Tom on Strictly, I probably wouldn't be here right now," she told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I've got so much to be grateful for to Strictly Come Dancing and we've been working so hard on the 20th year.
"I'm so excited for everybody to see what's going to be a brilliant series."
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 21st September 2024. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
