Strictly Come Dancing drops first look at Amy Dowden’s return with ‘dazzling’ tribute

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden’s return to the dancefloor will be celebrated with a ‘empowering routine’.

Joining the BBC dancing series in 2017, Amy worked on six seasons of the show, being paired with celebrity partners including Brian Conley, Tom Fletcher and James Bye.

However, after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment, it was announced she was unable to take part in the BBC dancing series.

But the 34-year-old will return to the show for its upcoming 20^th anniversary season, which is due to kick off next month.

To mark her momentous return, there will be a special, celebratory group dance featuring all of the professional dancers which will air during the launch show.

The Quickstep routine will see Amy front and centre as she dazzles the audience, alongside the other pros.

The BBC has teased that ‘the empowering routine will exude glamour’ and was the ‘perfect way’ to welcome Amy back.

The routine was choreographed by Jason Gilkison and is danced to a medley of Training Season by Dua Lipa, Busy Earnin’ and Keep Moving both by Jungle, and Candle Flame by Jungle and Eric the Architect, as performed by Dave Arch and his band.

Ahead of it airing, Amy shared: ‘I am so excited for every element of being back with my Strictly family. I am so grateful to get this opportunity, especially as it’s such a special year for this legendary show.

‘It feels like it’s my first year again. I’m buzzing to see the whole team, for costumes, for dance routines, to meet the celebrities, the judges.

‘Everyone’s laughing at me because I am just smiling constantly. I’d like to dedicate this dance to my pink sisters who have supported me through the past year and to all those currently facing cancer.’

Strictly executive producer Sarah James said Amy would bring her ‘sparkle, passion for dance, creative choreography and Welsh charm’.

When Amy’s return to this season was confirmed earlier this year, she said her heart was ‘so happy’

‘The best team on and off the dance floor. I can’t wait to be back doing what I love most in the world, dancing!’ she posted on Instagram.

‘Feel blessed and more excited than EVER. Bring it on! Thank you @bbcstrictly for your support always. Eeeeeekkk #amysback #strictlycomedancing #letsdothis #excited #cantwait #myheartissohappy.’

Speaking at the end of last year’s season, which saw Amy make a triumphant return for the final, she said: ‘This show certainly brings joy to the nation. It’s bittersweet coming to the end for me as this has been my only bit of normality the past few months and given me the distraction and focus to be there on Saturdays when I could with the team.

‘My heart couldn’t be more full than it is for this show and everyone involved.’