Amy Dowden has shared an emotional post about the ‘last few weeks’ as she prepares for her Strictly Come Dancing return amid the show’s abuse scandal.
The dancing pro, 33, shared her excitement as she gears up for a new instalment following her brave battle with breast cancer.
Posting a stunning shot of her and fellow Strictly pro Carlos Gu, Amy wrote: ‘The excitement I have for being back on the tour I can’t quite put into words.
‘The past few weeks has been all about building my fitness, strength, nutrition and health to be not back to where I used to be, but also pushing to be better and stronger.
‘It’s been tough but I know the rewards of performing makes it all so worth while! Remember don’t get bitter get better (also helps to have an amazing husband, family and friends like this one, always believing in me).’
Amy Dowden has shared an emotional post about the ‘last few weeks’ as she prepares for her Strictly Come Dancing return amid the show’s abuse scandal
The dancing pro, 33, shared her excitement admitting she couldn’t quite ‘put into words’ – as the star gears up for a new instalment following her brave battle with breast cancer in the past year
Fans were left very emotional and raced to compliment Amy, with several Strictly viewers eager to see the star on the dance floor again.
‘I am so happy to see you looking so well. You are such an inspiration❤️,’ one wrote.
‘Can’t wait to see you on tour to see you back on the stage this year and next is going to mean everything and so special’;
‘This is fantastic Amy does it mean you’ll be back on Strictly?’;
‘We have tickets for the Aberdeen show, we can’t wait to see you both’.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year, Amy later revealed that doctors had found ‘more tumours’ and she would have to undergo chemotherapy.
The star confirmed earlier this month she will be returning to Strictly this September after having to take time away from the show amid her treatment last year.
She has since been told there is no evidence of the disease in her body after undergoing treatment.
Fans were left very emotional and raced to compliment Amy, with several Strictly viewers eager to see the star on the dance floor again
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year, she later revealed that doctors had found ‘more tumours’ and she would have to undergo chemotherapy
Now free of any cancer-evidence in her body, the star confirmed earlier this month she will be returning to Strictly this September after having to take time away from the show amid her treatment last year
However, due to the nature of her cancer, Amy won’t receive the ‘all clear’ until five years have passed.
After the news of her return was revealed earlier this month, Amy took to Instagram to share her delight at being back to doing what she loves. The news came just two days after she marked the one year anniversary of her first surgery following her diagnosis.
‘I’m so happy and grateful to be back on @bbcstrictly MY HEART IS SO HAPPY,’ she said. ‘The best team on and off the dance floor.’
She added: ‘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 @bbcstrcitly for your support always. Eeeeeekkk #amysback.’
The dancer’s fellow professionals were quick to share their delight at the news of her return.
‘❤️ So happy to have you wear you belong ❤️,’ wrote Dianne Buswell, while Graziano Di Prima said : ‘yeeesss❤️.’
Amy’s eagerly-anticipated return comes as the show was engulfed in fresh bullying claims – which saw speculation that the plug could be pulled on Strictly.
Serious misconduct claims were made firstly against Italian pro dancer Giovanni Pernice and fellow choreographer Graziano Di Prima, which have made headlines.
Strictly has been on the ropes since 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington, 53, accused partner Giovanni, 33, of ‘threatening and abusing behaviour’ in January, which resulted in the 2021 champion leaving the show after three of his previous dance partners also raised concerns. The Italian denies the claims.
Following her claims, Strictly launched an investigation looking into other individuals connected with the show, as well as introducing new measures which aim to ‘strengthen welfare and support’ behind the scenes.
The widened probe resulted in Graziano, 30, being axed last Saturday, after his 2023 dance partner Zara McDermott, 27, complained that he physically attacked and verbally abused her.
Earlier this month, Amy also paid a sweet tribute to her husband Benjamin Jones as she marked their second wedding anniversary.
The Strictly pro left fans in tears as she took to her Instagram page with a carousel of stunning shots from the special day.
Accompanying the pictures with a lengthy message, she spoke directly to her soulmate, 36, writing: ‘Happy 2nd anniversary! I think it’s fair to say we’ve been through quite abit during married life.’
‘But I’m forever grateful for you! Thank you for this past year! I know at times it’s been so tough for you to watch but you kept positive, kept the house clean away from infections and tried to keep me as positive as possible.
‘I love you even more! Let’s hope for a smoother year ahead! But what I do know is we have each other! More adventures, my crazy last min plans, house renovations, dance school fun and basically just us being us!
‘Love you always xxx your Amy xxx,’ she finished.
Fellow Strictly stars rushed to comment showing their unconditional support.
Aussie pro dancer Dianne Buswell, who was also Amy’s bridesmaid at the wedding in 2022, penned: ‘❤️❤️❤️ Happy wedding day ❤️ love you both from your bridesmaid loves you I do.’
Italian choreographer – who won the last instalment of Strictly with Ellie Leach – wrote: ‘Happy anniversary guuuuuuuys ❤️❤️❤️ Cannot wait to see you.’
Ballroom legend and judge Shirley Ballas said: ‘Happy anniversary to two beautiful souls.’
Meanwhile more fans were left emotional by the tribute post and rushed to comment, with some saying: ‘People forget about the incredible person behind the scenes when the worst thing imaginable hits. Happy anniversary, onwards and upwards to you incredible couple xx’;
Amy paid a sweet tribute to her husband Benjamin Jones as she marked their second wedding anniversary earlier this month
Fans and fellow Strictly stars – including Vito Coppola, Dianne Buswell, Shirley Ballas – rushed to comment below the sweet tribute
‘Happy Anniversary to you both! You really deserve so much happiness ahead in married life xx’;
‘What a lovely post❤️ yes the person beside you needs the love and recognition too. You kept each other going’.
Amy further proved her unconditional love for Ben as the couple went through a rough start to married life when she found a lump in her breast the day before they went on their honeymoon in April 2023.
