Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has revealed she has been left 'bruised' following a 'risky' routine with her new celebrity partner, hairstylist Chris Appleton.
The Welsh dancer is returning to Strictly this year, joining Dianne Buswell and reigning champion Carlos Gu, plus five new professional dancers, after a reported 'bloodbath' that saw numerous cuts. Appleton was announced as her partner during the pre-recorded launch programme, ahead of the first live show on Saturday 26 September.
'Intense' training update
The pair have now shared an update on how training has been going, with Chris saying it had been a "fun week" but he was left "panting" from their "intense" routine. Amy told him: "On the night, it's live. We don't get to stop and go again. I haven't gone easy on you."
She added: "My two knees are a little bit bruised because we're taking some risks." When Chris asked where else she had been injured, Amy confessed "my bum cheeks", reports Wales Online.
Fans back the duo
Fans have already thrown their support behind the pair. One wrote: "You are so Barbie and Ken." Another said: "Aw can't wait until Saturday."
Someone else wrote: "You look incredible amy!!! so excited to see yours & chris' tango on saturday ! this'll be your year, i can feel it!!" Another added: "Awww I love this duo! You guys are going to smash it!!"
"My winners," another declared, as someone else said: "Can't wait to watch you guys dance." "Amy is looking absolutely stunning!" another said, while a fan echoed: "Actually my favourite pairing ever." Someone else wrote: "Watching this is making me more excited to see you two on the dancefloor!"
Chris Appleton's Strictly excitement
After being announced as taking part in Strictly this year, Chris said: "I'm thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I've always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can't wait to get started."
Amy previously shared how much Strictly meant to her and addressed backlash the show had received over the line-up this year. "We need to remember the core of Strictly is not changing," Amy, who was the first voted out with Thomas Skinner last year, told Mail Online.
She went on: "That competition, watching the celebrities learn to dance before every weekend, that's not changing and that's the heart and the reason why Strictly has been so successful for over the last two decades. I'm so proud to be part of that show and it's got me through the darkest of times and I'm not sure where I would be right now without Strictly."
She added: "The celebrities are so lovely and they're so good. We're in for a good series, let me tell you. I think it's gonna be one that you can't call it, it's gonna be so tight and so tough."
Strictly continues from 6.15pm on Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.
