Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has said that she’s ‘so grateful’ after being confirmed to return for the programme’s 2025 series. In the 2024 competition, in which she was partnered up with JLS singer JB Gill, she was forced to pull out halfway after suffering a painful foot injury.
And now, it has been confirmed Amy, 34, is coming back and will be joined by two new professional dancers. Speaking about Strictly’s return, Sarah James, executive producer of BBC Studios said: “The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning pros.
“We are looking forward to welcoming two brand new professional dancers to the line-up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.”
After her return was announced by the BBC, Amy took to her Instagram to tell fans: “So grateful to be back on the best show on TV for my ninth year with my Strictly family.
“This show means everything to me, through the highs and my all-time lows, it truly got me through my toughest of times. The show is pure magic and good for the soul. I’m feeling stronger than ever.
“The countdown begins to be back in the rehearsal room with my Strictly family. Who else is counting down the days?”
Others returning to the next series include winner Dianne Buswell, who was partnered up with blind comedian Chris McCausland, Katya Jones and Aljaz Skorjanec.
Also returning to the professional cast for the upcoming series will be Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
Amy had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and the following year she announced that there was “no evidence of disease” after having treatment.
She returned to Strictly Come Dancing last year following an absence – though later withdrew after sustaining an injury – and more recently featured on the BBC show’s subsequent tour.
Last month, Amy shared an update with fans revealing she was back to see her oncologist two years after being diagnosed with cancer.
Amy posted a photo of herself back in hospital for an injection – after previously sharing that she will need one each month for around five years – and she reflected on her life now.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
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