Shirley Ballas praises ‘remarkable’ Amy Dowden ahead of Strictly return

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has paid tribute to Amy Dowden ahead of her return to the BBC dance competition. 33-year-old Amy sat out on last year’s series as she received treatment for breast cancer.

Shirley, who had her own health scare earlier this year, has praised Amy as “remarkable”. She told Express: “Amy Dowden, my girl, I think it is absolutely remarkable that she is back. She's looking gorgeous and glamorous... MBE can we say? I couldn't be more proud of a human being than I am of her, she's absolutely spectacular."

Speaking about the show’s return, Shirley added: "I am just excited for the series to begin in September - everybody is ready and moving forward and it's going to be a spectacular series."

READ MORE: GMB star snaps at Andi Peters as he leaks huge Love Island spoiler live on air

READ MORE: Jenna Coleman says 'I knew' as she admits to breaking the rules with new BBC drama

Caerphilly-born Amy, who also suffers with Crohn’s disease, was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list earlier this year and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Alongside her work for various cancer charities, the star is also an ambassador for the charity Crohn's & Colitis UK.

Strictly Come Dancing is set to return in the autumn with 18 professional dancers involved in the line-up. One person who was also recently confirmed to be coming back is Aljaž Škorjanec — read more about his return here.

Meanwhile, someone who won't be returning to the Strictly dance floor is Giovanni Pernice who has been at the centre of a controversy with his previous partners and his teaching methods. Read what the BBC had to say about his exit, here.

The new series of Strictly marks the show’s 20th anniversary. The show has promised nods past contestants, judges and dances. Who’s your favourite Strictly winner? Let us know in the comments.

Ahead of the new series, executive producer Sarah James told the BBC: “This year Strictly marks two decades of entertaining the nation and we will be back with a bang in September as we celebrate in style with our incredible team both on and off screen.” For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.