Strictly viewers moved to tears as Amy Dowden returns to the dancefloor for epic 2024 opener after cancer battle
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were left in tears tonight as Amy Dowden made an emotional return to the dancefloor after her cancer battle.
After bravely battling breast cancer, the much-loved dancer stunned viewers as she waltzed across the floor in a pink gown.
Her return was a moment of pure joy for Strictly fans.
Many had eagerly awaited Amy‘s comeback after she skipped last year’s series to concentrate on her treatment and tonight she didn’t disappoint.
Gliding across the stage with poise and strength, Amy’s performance was a heartfelt reminder of her resilience.
Amy danced with her professionals to a medley of tracks including Dua Lipa’s Training Session and Jungle’s Busy Earnin’.
She stood out from the crowd in pink in a symbolic outfit as she took centre stage in her first performance with her pals.
Viewers took to social media to express their admiration and tears of joy.
One shared crying emojis and said: “Oh Amy! what a fabulous start to Strictly 2024!”
Another posted a video of a sobbing woman, writing: “Me watching Amy back on Strictly!”
“Amy Dowden… the QUEEN YOU ARE!!!! we love you so much,” one more wrote.
Amy was later introduced to her celebrity partner, JLS star JB Gill, and she told him: “I have a feeling my comeback is going to be pretty strong now!”
Amy’s return brought a much-needed emotional lift to the scandal-hit show.
Amy was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year.
During that time, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, and nearly died from sepsis.
She was given the all clear earlier this year.
Strictly’s Executive Producer, Sarah James said: “We are all so incredibly happy that Amy is back in the Strictly Ballroom.
“She will bring her sparkle, passion for dance, creative choreography and Welsh charm.
“Welcome back Amy, let’s make it the best year yet!”
Amy also took to Instagram to thank her co-stars and supporters.
The show favourite sent a special thanks to returning professional Aljaz Skorjanec who she danced with on the opening night.
She said: “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 @jasongilkison for choreographing this beautiful number for my return!
“@aljazskorjanec for partnering me and making me feel confident.
“It was so special as I had my husband and family in the audience.
“Their first time watching me dance again!
“So grateful to everyone and excited for the months ahead. #whatadifferenceayearmakes Tune in tonight for the fabulous strictly launch show 7.20pm bbc 1 #keepdancing -#backwhereibelong #strictlyfamily #dance #strictlycomedancing.”
Amy Dowden's Strictly comeback
By Mary Gallagher, Senior Showbiz Reporter
Amy Dowden’s triumphant return to Strictly is a much needed boost of positivity for the show, after a year full of scandals and profesionals being axed.
Over the past 18 months, the fabulous Welsh dancer has been on a rollercoaster health journey.
In May last year, she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, had a mastectomy, and then faced chemo by the end of 2023.
And just when we thought things couldn’t get worse, she revealed doctors found a clot on her lung.
But, in true Amy style, she wasn’t about to let that stop her and just a month later, she made a beautiful and emotional return to Strictly for a special appearance in 2023, leaving us all grabbing for tissues.
Fast forward to this year, Amy opened up about that nightmare journey in a candid documentary about her treatments, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, which is available on BBC iPlayer and an insightful watch.
She’s now back to her fun-loving self – and is still a ray of sunshine.
Honestly, we can’t wait to see her light up the dancefloor for the 2024 series!