Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has opened up about the emotional impact of major changes to the BBC show as it gears up for its 2026 series. The 35-year-old professional dancer, who is confirmed to return to the ballroom, described the departure of five fellow professionals as 'sad'.
Professional Dancers Leaving and New Hosts
The BBC has announced that Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas will not be returning for the upcoming season. In a historic shift, the show will also welcome a new presenting trio for the first time in 11 years: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Speaking to Woman Magazine, Dowden shared her feelings about the changes. '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.'
Amy's Personal Journey
Reflecting on her own battle with breast cancer, diagnosed in 2023, Dowden 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.' After undergoing chemotherapy and two mastectomies, she now feels 'fitter and stronger than ever'.
Return to the Ballroom
Dowden will dance alongside professionals including 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.
Since joining Strictly in 2017, Dowden has partnered with Brian Conley, Danny John-Jules, and Karim Zeroual, with whom she nearly won the Glitterball trophy in 2019. Last series, she was eliminated in the first week with Thomas Skinner. This year, she aims to reach Blackpool as a personal milestone.
Celebrity Contestants Announced
Three celebrities have been confirmed for the forthcoming series: EastEnders star Lacey Turner, Love Island champion Dani Dyer, and singer Delta Goodrem. Cyclist Dame Sarah Storey, a multiple Paralympic gold medallist, has also been linked but not yet confirmed.
