BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans fight tears over Shirley Ballas' Amy Dowden comments

Strictly Come Dancing's JB Gill and Amy Dowden
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Fans of Strictly Come Dancing were left fighting tears after Shirley Ballas' comments to Amy Dowden during the first live show of the series. The BBC One dance contest officially got underway on Saturday night (September 21) with the first live performances of the series.

DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, who was celebrating his 62nd birthday, and his dance partner, Luba Mushtuk, opened the show with a jive to We Built This City by Starship and finished in 12th position at the end of the night.

Meanwhile, Welsh dancer Amy and her celebrity dance partner, JLS star JB Gill, emerged in the top spot as they were awarded 31 points from the judges for their waltz to When I Need You by singer Leo Sayer.

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Amy, who missed out on having a celebrity partner last year amid her treatment for breast cancer, said she was “so happy” after her performance during the series first live show.

The 34-year-old, who disclosed her cancer diagnosis in May 2023, which was subsequently followed by chemotherapy and a mastectomy, said: "I am so happy I could burst."

Shirley then said during her comments: "Amy, you're home where you belong and I have to say that choreography was absolutely outstanding." She also noted, reacting to JB: "You, sir are an absolute diamond and this is going to be an absolute epic partnership."

And it left fans feeling emotional and echoing her sentiments on social media. @ShirleighShirlz said: "'Amy you're home where you belong' YES SHE IS SHIRLEY BALLAS #Strictly." @dowdensjowita commented: "Shirley you are correct, amy is HOME #strictly." @SHANEOfficial wrote: "Welcome home, Amy #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly." @JayMac_86 added: "Amy Dowden is back home #Strictly."

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 and singer and actor Shayne Ward.

Also making up the line-up are 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.