Amy Dowden has described this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing Icons Week live show as "phenomenal", while admitting the choreography is "very tough". The Welsh dancer will return to the dance floor after stepping in for Delta Goodrem, who has withdrawn due to a rib injury.
During Wednesday's episode of It Takes Two, hosted by Ellie Taylor, Amy said: "This week's group number for Icons Week is Madonna." As rehearsal footage aired, she confessed her wrists were aching from some of the moves, adding: "I really think this Icon's Week is going to be phenomenal."
Delta Goodrem withdraws with rib injury
The BBC announced earlier this week that Delta Goodrem had been advised by doctors to rest and would not dance on Saturday's show. In a statement, the BBC said: "Due to injury, Delta Goodrem has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance on this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing. In line with the rules of the show, Delta and Kai will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again. We wish Delta the very best as she continues her recovery."
Delta expressed her disappointment, saying: "I'm absolutely gutted that a rib injury means I won't be able to dance on Strictly this week. I've been loving every second of this experience, so having to sit this one out is heartbreaking - especially after the high of Saturday night. I cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show. I'm going to focus on resting and recovering, and hopefully I'll be back on that dance floor very soon. Thank you so much to everyone for all the love and support. It's so appreciated. I'll be cheering everyone on from the sidelines this week! Sending all my love, Delta xx."
Amy's return with Kai Widdrington
Amy will dance with Delta's partner Kai Widdrington. On Wednesday, ITV's Lorraine Kelly and guest Vogue Williams discussed Amy's comeback. Vogue said: "Well, you'll be very happy with this. So it's Amy Dowden and Kai. But it's good to see her back, but she's going to be dancing with Kai, and supposedly to Dolly Parton's Jolene. I mean, that's going to be so good."
Amy was the first professional eliminated from Strictly this series, having been partnered with celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton. It was the second consecutive year she faced elimination first, following her pairing with Thomas Skinner the previous year. Speaking on It Takes Two, she said: "From the first day to dancing on Saturday night, [Chris] grew and grew and grew [in confidence] and I'm just gutted that we didn't get the chance to continue. I honestly think there was so much more to come."
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
