Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has spoken candidly about the upcoming changes to the BBC show, describing the departure of several co-stars as 'sad'. The 35-year-old dancer is set to return to the ballroom for the 2026 series, which will feature a significantly altered line-up.
Departures and New Faces
The BBC announced that five professional dancers will not be returning: Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Additionally, for the first time in 11 years, the presenting team has been overhauled. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Amy's Reflection
Speaking to Woman Magazine, Dowden expressed her feelings about the shake-up. 'It's so sad to see some of your Strictly family move on,' she said. 'That's never easy. It's a difficult one, isn't it, but I've seen the joy Strictly brings to people going through hard times.'
Reflecting on her own cancer journey, she added: 'When I was on the chemo ward, the buzz that the show brings, it made me so proud to be part of that experience, that's what the show does, it brings escapism.'
Returning Professionals and Judges
Dowden will be joined by fellow professionals Julian Caillon, Neil Jones, Katya Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, and Vito Coppola. The judging panel remains unchanged, with Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke all resuming their roles.
Amy's Journey
After being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2023, Dowden underwent chemotherapy and two mastectomies. She has since declared she feels 'fitter and stronger than ever'. The dancer joined Strictly in 2017 and has partnered with celebrities including Brian Conley, Danny John-Jules, and Karim Zeroual, with whom she narrowly missed winning the Glitterball trophy in 2019.
Last year, she was paired with Thomas Skinner but was eliminated in week one. Looking ahead, she is eager for greater success and aims to make it to Blackpool to prove she is 'back' after her health ordeal.
Confirmed Celebrities
So far, three celebrities have been confirmed for the upcoming series: EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, and singer Delta Goodrem. The latest rumoured contestant is Paralympic cyclist Dame Sarah Storey, though this has not been officially confirmed.
