Strictly Come Dancing reveals FIRST LOOK at Amy Dowden's dazzling return to the show as she leads a celebratory group dance dedicated to cancer sufferers
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Strictly Come Dancing have revealed the first look at Amy Dowden's momentous return to the dancefloor.
The dancer, 34, has been absent from the show - which she first joined in 2017 - after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023.
In what became the toughest year of her life, Amy underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment and also almost died of sepsis, with her cancer journey documented in a recent documentary.
However, after being given the all clear, the Welsh beauty is set to don her dance shoes once more and join her fellow professional dancers in a celebratory group number to mark her return.
The empowering routine, which will be aired during the BBC show's series 20 launch in September, will be dedicated to those currently fighting cancer as well as her fellow 'pink sisters'.
Strictly Come Dancing have revealed the first look at Amy Dowden 's momentous return to the dancefloor
The dancer, 34, has been absent from the show - which she first joined in 2017 - after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023
Amy is set to wow in symbolic pink and take centre stage as she performs the quickstep, choreographed by Jason Gilkison, with her pals.
The group will perform a to a medley of songs including Training Season by Dua Lipa, Busy Earnin’ and Keep Moving both by Jungle, and Candle Flame by Jungle and Eric the Architect, as played by Dave Arch and his band.
Speaking excitedly about her big return, Amy said: ' 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.
'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.'
She poignantly added: 'I’d like to dedicate this dance to my pink sisters who have supported me through the past year and to all those currently facing cancer.'
Meanwhile, the show's executive producer Sarah James added: 'We are all so incredibly happy that Amy is back in the Strictly Ballroom.
'She will bring her sparkle, passion for dance, creative choreography and Welsh charm. Welcome back Amy, let’s make it the best year yet!'
The star, who recently told how cancer had 'changed her forever', confirmed last month she will be returning to Strictly this September after having to take time away from the show amid her treatment last year.
However, after being given the all clear, the Welsh beauty is set to don her dance shoes once more and join her fellow professional dancers in a celebratory group number to mark her return
Amy is set to wow in symbolic pink and take centre stage as she performs the quickstep, choreographed by Jason Gilkison, with her pals [pictured at a photocall for the 2023 Strictly tour]
She has since been told there is no evidence of the disease in her body after undergoing treatment.
However, due to the nature of her cancer, Amy won't receive the 'all clear' until five years have passed.
After the news of her return was revealed, Amy took to Instagram to share her delight at being back to doing what she loves. The news came just two days after she marked the one year anniversary of her first surgery following her diagnosis.
'I'm so happy and grateful to be back on @bbcstrictly MY HEART IS SO HAPPY,' she said. 'The best team on and off the dance floor.'
She added: '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! Thank you @bbcstrcitly for your support always. Eeeeeekkk #amysback.'
Amy competed as a professional dancer on the BBC reality show from 2017 to 2022 - before having to skip the 2023 competition following her diagnosis.
'I’d like to dedicate this dance to my pink sisters who have supported me through the past year and to all those currently facing cancer '
Now free of any cancer-evidence in her body, the star confirmed last month she will be returning to Strictly this September after having to take time away from the show amid her treatment last year
She was diagnosed with breast cancer just one day after she came home from her honeymoon with Tom Parkes in May last year.
She told BBC Breakfast in April: 'There I was, living my life to the full on Strictly Come Dancing, just married. Cancer doesn't discriminate.'
Amy recently starred in a documentary which followed Amy through several stages of her fight with cancer.
Earlier this week, fans were left 'sobbing' and branded Amy an 'inspiration' night as she bravely opened up about her breast cancer journey in her heartbreaking BBC documentary, Cancer and Me.
The film saw several heart-wrenching moments, including Amy facing her first chemotherapy session, the agonising wait for results and the TV star shaving her head as she tackled her hair loss.
Earlier this week, fans were left 'sobbing' and branded Amy an 'inspiration' night as she bravely opened up about her breast cancer journey in her heartbreaking BBC documentary, Cancer and Me
The Strictly star was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023 and in what became the toughest year of her life, Amy underwent a mastectomy , chemotherapy, fertility treatment and also almost died of sepsis
Watching the scenes unfold, several viewers rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their admiration for the Welsh dancer, with several noting they were in tears as they watched her health struggle.
They penned: 'Tough watch, but what an inspiration.'
'Oh my dear Lord, #AmyDowden is such an inspiration, Bless her heart. Am sobbing Xx.'
'Sat here watching Strictly Amy : cancer and me, and I'm crying. Love you, Amy.'
'This Amy Dowden story is a tough watch. Gulp. What an incredibly strong & brave woman.'
'Oh my lord #AmyDowden is such an inspiration! I've spent the first 14 mins of this program sobbing, yet she's incredibly strong!'