Yahoo News Strictly announces special tribute to Amy Dowden for show return
Strictly Come Dancing spoilers follow.
Strictly Come Dancing has announced a special tribute to Amy Dowden to celebrate her return to the show.
The pro dancer confirmed the wonderful news earlier this year she would be competing in season 22, after missing last year while she was treated for breast cancer.
The BBC has shared the exciting announcement that the new season of Strictly will kick off with a group dance number celebrating Amy's comeback. The dance will be choreographed by the show's creative director Jason Gilkison.
Amy's husband and family will be the audience as she takes a central role in this dance number while the Strictly orchestra plays a medley of 'Training Season' by Dua Lipa, 'Busy Earnin’ and 'Keep Moving' by Jungle, and 'Candle Flame' by Jungle and Erick the Architect.
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"I am so excited for every element of being back with my Strictly family," Amy said. "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. 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.”
Strictly creative director Jason Gilkison promised fans can expect an "empowering and strong routine" in honour of Amy.
"We are all so incredibly happy that Amy is back in the Strictly Ballroom," producer Sarah James said. "She will bring her sparkle, passion for dance, creative choreography and Welsh charm. Welcome back Amy, let’s make it the best year yet!”
Related: Amy Dowden reveals new cancer scare threatened Strictly return
This celebration of Amy's impact on Strictly Come Dancing is particularly meaningful because she recently revealed she'd originally turned down a job on the show.
"I'm the first-ever professional dancer to do that, but look, it all worked out in the end, and you have to read the book [Dancing in the Rain] to find out why," she continued.
"I should've done Strictly in 2016, but I did join in 2017."
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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