Amy Dowden has made clear how delighted she is to be back on Strictly Come Dancing after having to miss last year’s show as she underwent cancer treatment.
The 34-year-old has shared candid updates about her journey in the last year and is now back on the BBC competition, where she’s partnered with JLS star JB Gill.
While Dowden was told earlier this year she now has “no evidence of disease,” she can’t be given the all-clear for five years due to the type of cancer she was diagnosed with.
The welcome news was a cause for celebration though and meant the Welsh dancer could return to the show she’s starred in since 2017.
Following last weekend’s Movie Week night, the choreographer took to Instagram to share a poignant post comparing where she was this time last year.
Sharing two snaps, one of her in her glammed up on Saturday night for her film-inspired look and another of her appearing on Strictly while undergoing treatment as a special guest last year, she penned a heartfelt statement.
“Movie week a year apart,” she began. “A year ago was my first appearance on strictly 2023 during my cancer treatment where I did terms and conditions for movie week and the first time braving it going bald to the nation.
“I remember that day so well, so excited to be there yet so far away from that dance floor.
“A year ago it was a pure imagination to be dancing. I remember the show finishing and breaking down in tears because I was so overwhelmed and so missing that feeling on the floor.
“Last night was a pure dream dancing and watching everyone with their brilliant movie week routines.”
The Caerphilly-born star continued: “But also sharing the experience with @jbgill who is just the ultimate gentleman, caring, calm, hardworking, super talented and so understanding knowing how every week is such a special milestone for me this year.
“Thank you partner. Tune in tonight to see who’s through. #forevergrateful #mycancerjourney #gograblife #whatadifferenceayearmakes #backwhereibelong #breastcancer #breastcanceryoung.” (sic)
It didn’t take long for her co-stars and fans to express their pride over her strength as they rushed to the comment section.
“A real life superhero and a massive inspiration! So proud of everything you have accomplished and am loving seeing you back where you belong, watching in tears week by week! Rooting for you to lift the glitterball,” one penned.
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Another shared: “So gorgeous in both x,” while a third wrote: “So glad you’re back love your partnership with JB.”
“You are amazing Amy. Back where you belong. you’re such an inspiration too so many,” someone else commented.
Another added: “Beautiful Amy, well done you’ve been though a lot and it’s so inspiring for others to learn from you. Go go Amy.”
Gill himself also took the opportunity to applaud his dance partner, sharing: “It’s a pleasure partner What a difference a year makes. You’re back where you belong and that’s what matters most.”
Her fellow Strictly dancer Vito Coppola also sent a sweet message as he wrote: “I always call you beautiful Amy because you are and you have always been beautiful. We love you and we are happy to have you back with us in the Family. In this pic all I see it’s how beautiful you are. Keep shining.” (sic)
