BBC Breakfast viewers have shown immense support for Amy Dowden as she discussed her much-anticipated return to Strictly during a segment that aired on this morning’s programme (September 21).
The 34 year old professional dancer is set to dazzle on the dance floor once more tonight after a year marked by personal health battles, having been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer shortly after her honeymoon.
Now in remission, she’s ready to vie for the Glitterball trophy with her celebrity partner, JLS sensation JB Gill, in the milestone 20th anniversary series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Saturday, Amy featured in a pre-recorded segment with David Sillito where she shared her feelings about her comeback, saying it feels like ‘coming home’.
David introduced the feature, noting: “For Amy Dowden this truly is part of an emotional journey as she returns to the show after treatment for cancer,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
He then posed the question to Amy: “How are you? ” She answered: “I’m much better thank you and what a difference a year can make,” as reported by the Express.
David went on to ask: “It’s quite tough though coming back I’m guessing?”, to which Amy responded: “Um, it just feels like I’m coming back home and I didn’t really go away I guess because I was so lucky last year with the production team keeping me involved.”
She detailed: “My Strictly family have been with me every step of the way so it doesn’t feel like I’ve been away. It’s different now because I get to come back dancing this year and I’ve got a fabulous partner and I’m going to make the most of every second because we don’t know what is around the corner.”
Elsewhere, JLS star JB has revealed his eagerness about teaming up with Amy for the forthcoming series, believing he couldn’t ask for a better partner. With a warm embrace for Amy, JB said: “I was basically born on that big Saturday night of course with the X-Factor but I had a couple more people standing next to me then but I’m in great hands here with Amy.”
These joyful revelations emerge against a controversial backdrop in the dance community. Former contestant Amanda Abbington accused her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice of abusive behaviour, a claim vehemently denied by Pernice.
The controversy further escalated amid allegations that Graziano Di Prima was ousted after allegedly “kicking” his celebrity partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott, during rehearsals. In response to the growing concerns, the BBC has announced the introduction of chaperones in practice sessions throughout the next series.
BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer