Amy Dowden has been seen sending Strictly Come Dancing fans wild following her social media updates from rehearsals for the upcoming series - and it's left them supporting a 'new duo'.
The professional dancer is among those returning to the BBC One dance contest this year, having been part of the popular programme since 2017, when she became the first Welsh professional on the show. Amy made a full return to the ballroom floor in 2025 and appeared on the latest series of Strictly, where she was partnered with The Apprentice star Tom Skinner. It came after she took a break from the show after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 to undergo treatment, including chemotherapy and two mastectomies.
Returning Pros and New Additions
With the 2026 series now around the corner, it was confirmed that Amy is among the pro dancers who will be back on the dancefloor. Jowita Przystal, Alexis Warr, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and Carlos Gu, who won last year’s series with former England footballer Karen Carney, are also returning.
They will also be joined by Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi and Mark Karmalita when the popular programme returns in September, as they were revealed as the show's five new pro dancers after Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk were announced to be leaving Strictly earlier this year.
Fans React to 'Mads and Ames' Videos
It's Maddie, a UK National Ballroom Champion and an eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion, who Amy has been seen making TikTok videos alongside, and it seems to be going down well with Strictly fans. Alongside one video, Amy wrote: "Big sis and little sis at work! @BBC Strictly @mads ingoldsby #strictly #sisters #dance," while alongside another, as they recreated a famous EastEnders scene involving Kat and Zoe Slater, she penned: "More of the mads and Ames fun! Big sis lil sis! #strictly #pros #fun @mads ingoldsby @BBC Strictly."
The posts were soon flooded with comments from fans. One said: "THE DUO IVE BEEN WAITING AND HOPING FOR." Another commented: "Think i found my new fav duo." A third shared: "Obsessed with this duo." Another joked: "This duo are gonna be trouble." A fan also added: "I love this duo so much."
Maddie's Background and Excitement
Maddie, from Bournemouth, was previously also crowned World Rising Star and Under 21 World Ballroom Champion. As a child, she played Annie in the West End, and made her television debut on Strictly: It Takes Two – before going on to perform in a Pros’ group number on the main show’s Christmas special.
Maddie previously said of her new Strictly role: "Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true. My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter. Dance has always been where I feel most myself, and to now share my heart, my creativity, and my love for it on a show that has inspired millions is an honour beyond words."
