Strictly Come Dancing’s professional dancer Amy Dowden has hinted at a surprise return to the show ahead of this weekend’s final, after an injury forced her to withdraw earlier in the series.
The 34-year-old from Wales had to leave the BBC competition just weeks into the new series, following a leg injury she sustained during a live show in October.
It was subsequently confirmed that she would not be returning to dance with her celebrity partner JB Gill, who instead continued the season with Lauren Oakley.
Amy’s absence was particularly poignant as she had returned to Strictly this year after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year and missing out on Strictly 2023, according to Metro reports.
After receiving the all-clear in February following treatment, she courageously shared her health battles, including fertility issues, sepsis, and hair loss. In recent weeks, Amy has been back on Strictly, showing her support for her co-star Lauren and JLS singer JB, reports Wales Online.
She has now hinted at a comeback ahead of the final, which will see the Beat Again singer compete for the glitterball trophy against Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, comedian Chris McCausland and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland.
Posting a cheerful selfie on Instagram, she wrote: ‘Back dancing in this magical ballroom. ‘ She later shared a video reuniting with Strictly dancer Carlos Gu as they rehearsed for their 2025 tour.
Amy Dowden recently opened up on ITV’s Lorraine about her Strictly Come Dancing partner JB, expressing high hopes for his potential in the competition. She told stand-in host Christine Lampard: “The first time I took hold of JB and did a few steps I knew he had the potential, the talent, musicality, the groove in his body and I think he will be in that final. We speak most days and I’ll be cheering him on.”
She also discussed a recent disappointment related to her participation in a Celebrity MasterChef Christmas special with fellow Strictly professionals Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu. The BBC decided to pull the episode following allegations against MasterChef host Gregg Wallace.
Speaking to Christine Lampard on Friday, December 6, Amy said: “I’m gutted about that,” adding, “I did have a lovely time but I can’t comment further about that as it is under investigation. I’m actually gutted, I can’t say I’m the best chef but I did my best.”
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer