BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden says 'bring it on' as fans rush to support return

Amy Dowden has declared 'bring it on' as fans rushed to support her over the news of her return to Strictly Come Dancing. The dancer has been confirmed in the show's 2024 line-up after being forced out of last year's series due to her cancer diagnosis.

The dancer 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.

READ MORE: Real Housewives of Cheshire star Paige Chohan confirms daughter's full name as baby's head shaved in moving moment

Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link

But earlier this year, she was given the positive news that there was no evidence of disease. She will not receive the “all clear” for five years due to her type of cancer but did share her hopes for a return to Strictly when it returns this autumn.

And so she was delighted to confirm on Monday (June 10) that she will be back dancing again this year as the professional dancer line-up was confirmed.

The professional dancers who will be returning to Strictly alongside Amy later this year are Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.

Meanwhile, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return as hosts and the judges' desks will see the return of Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke.

Following the news from the BBC, Amy took to Instagram and shared a video of her recording a title sequence for the show that features alongside the theme tune ahead of the show going live every weekend. "I’m so happy and grateful to be back on @bbcstrictly," she began.

"MY HEART IS SO HAPPY. The best team on and off the dance floor. 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 @bbcstrictly for your support always. Eeeeeekkk #amysback #strictlycomedancing #letsdothis #excited #cantwait #myheartissohappy."

Dianne Buswell was among the first to respond, writing: "So happy to have you where you belong." Lauren Oakley commented: "Can’t wait!!!" Graziano Di Prima replied: "Yeeesss." BBC Radio 2 star and former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball posted: "Best news angel," while presenter Kate Thornton shared: "Brilliant news!"

And Amy's fans and followers were also keen to share their delight at the news. @angelinaballerina1607 said: "Best news ever!!! This is your year." @amydcwden commented: "This is the best news !! so ready to be supporting you this season." @joannewilkes74 wrote: "So pleased for you Amy. Back where you belong."

@daviesdenisehotmailcomuk replied: "This is the best news... Can't wait to see you back in the dance floor." @colinamcgarry shared: "Welcome home Amy. Be so good to see you back on my tv again." @ajjels echoed: "Fantastic. Welcome home." @rachellspooner added: "Fantastic news. Can’t wait to watch you again on Strictly."