Performs heartfelt dance with support from fellow Strictly professionals

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has made a remarkable return to the show after undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy due to breast cancer. The 34-year-old dancer from Wales joined a pre-recorded episode aired on Saturday, celebrating her recovery and performing for the first time since her diagnosis, which revealed “no evidence of disease.”

Dowden’s health journey began with the discovery of a lump the day before her honeymoon with her husband, professional dancer Ben Jones. The diagnosis forced her to sit out the 2023 season without a celebrity dance partner. On her return, she took centre stage in an emotionally charged group routine, dressed in pink and surrounded by her fellow dancers in shades of black and grey. The performance featured a medley including Dua Lipa’s “Training Season” and Jungle’s “Keep Moving,” concluding with Dowden being lifted into the air and embraced by her Strictly family.

Ahead of the episode’s broadcast, Dowden expressed her appreciation on Instagram: “Tonight, I step back onto the @bbcstrictly floor, dancing with these incredibly talented people. My deepest thanks go out to everyone at Strictly, both on and off the floor, for their unwavering support and to (Jason Gilkison) for crafting such a special routine for my comeback.” She also extended heartfelt thanks to fellow dancer Aljaz Skorjanec for boosting her confidence throughout the journey.

Reflecting on her return, she noted: “It was even more meaningful having my husband and family watching in the audience for the first time since everything. I’m so thankful and looking forward to the months ahead. #whatadifferenceayearmakes.”

Strictly choreographer Jason Gilkison shared his admiration, stating: “So proud of you, my darling. It was an honour to create this for you.”

Dowden, who has candidly documented her cancer treatment, also spoke about finding strength through her public discussions about living with Crohn’s disease, which helped her come to terms with her own experiences.