BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans in tears as dancer Amy Dowden makes return to show

-Credit: (Image: BBC)
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Strictly Come Dancing fans were in tears minutes into Saturday night's launch show as a dancer returned.

Amy Dowden is back as a professional dancer for the 22nd series of the show after missing last year as she underwent treatment for cancer.

In an emotional routine, the pre-recorded episode showed her dressed in pink and circled by other dancers in black and grey, while performing to a medley of Dua Lipa’s Training Season and Jungle’s Keep Moving.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden shares moving message after Kate Middleton update

Her group number ended with a hug between her and fellow professionals, as well as being lifted into the air by the other dancers.

Before the airing, Dowden wrote on Instagram on Saturday: “Tonight I return to @bbcstrictly doing what I love most DANCING with these talented souls.

“A big thank you to the entire Strictly family on and off the dance floor for all your support through everything and to (Jason Gilkison) for choreographing this beautiful number for my return.”

Fans were delighted to see Amy back on our TV screens, as she danced in the opening, with many admitting they were in tears.

@amylaurenhills wrote: "We’re all crying happy tears that Amy Dowden is back on Strictly, right?" while @sophiehrimell added: "Super emotional to see Amy back on the dancefloor, what a night! So happy for her to be back."

And @CLC_1D said: "Why am I already crying watching @dowden_amy dance again!!! So so happy for you and so happy to see Strictly back on TV."

Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year after finding a lump in her breast in April 2023, the day before going to the Maldives on honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones, a fellow professional dancer.

She was subsequently diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and announced the news to the public after undergoing a mastectomy. Amy later bravely documented going through chemotherapy treatment which wasn't without its setbacks with the Welsh star developing sepsis and coming close to organ failure.

It's since been confirmed that after being told there is "no evidence of disease" following her treatment, Amy will make her much-anticipated return to the ballroom floor for the 20th year of the hit dance show.

Saturday night's pre-recorded launch show saw this year's celebrities paired with their professional dance partners for the first time while the dancers perform an "empowering" routine to celebrate Amy Dowden’s return.

The full list of celebrities taking part this year includes Olympic medalist and TV presenter Sam Quek, former footballer Paul Merson, TV presenter Nick Knowles, Gladiator Montell Douglas, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, Eastenders actor Jamie Borthwick, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, singer and actor Shayne Ward, TV personality and podcast host Pete Wicks, model and Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, BBC Morning Live's Dr Punam Krishan, singer Toyah Willcox, opera singer Wynne Evans, JLS star JB Gill, and comedian Chris McCausland.

Vito Coppola, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer and Aljaz Skorjaned are among the professional dancers taking part.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for the first live show next Saturday from 7pm.