Shirley Ballas expressed a deeply moving welcome to Amy Dowden on her return to Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday (September 21) with the words: “Amy, you’re home.” Her words came after witnessing the dancer’s emotive comeback performance on Strictly following her cancer treatment.
The 34 year old Welsh ballroom dancer who became part of the Strictly family in 2017 had to miss the previous year’s series due to her recovery from stage three breast cancer. Tonight marked a poignant moment as she graced the dance floor again.
Earlier this year, the much-loved Strictly star shared positive news that her latest health check indicated “no evidence of disease” following her battle with breast cancer, and she has been eagerly anticipating her return to performing on stage after such a heartfelt ordeal. Make sure you’re up to date with all TV and Showbiz stories by subscribing to our newsletter.
Dancing with JB Gill from JLS, Amy Dowden performed a stirring Waltz to Leo Sayer’s When I Need You. Though the Welsh sensation managed not to shed tears, the emotion was evident in her eyes as she and JB awaited the judges’ critique.
Amidst the judges’ evaluations, Motsi Mabuse instructed Craig Revel Horwood to “save it for later”, prompting a focus on positivity with “there’s space for joy”, despite his initial critical remarks on Amy and JB’s Waltz to When I Need You by Leo Sayer. Nonetheless, the duo appeared unshaken as they left the stage, reports Wales Online.
Shirley enthused after the performance, “Amy, you’re home where you belong and I have to say that choreography was absolutely outstanding.”
Additionally, she addressed JB, saying: “You, sir are an absolute diamond and this is going to be an absolute epic partnership.”
Overwhelmed with joy, Amy said: “I’m so happy I could burst”, following their stage exit. The duo also snagged one of the top scores of the evening, receiving a commendable 31 from the judges.