Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has opened up about a 'sad' change to the BBC show ahead of its return later this year. The 35-year-old is among the professional dancers set to take to the ballroom once again when the new series launches.
Major Changes to the Line-Up
Ahead of the 2026 season, the BBC announced several changes to the line-up, including the departure of five professional dancers: Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. For the first time in 11 years, the show will also feature a new presenting team, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe stepping in following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Amy's Emotional Response
Speaking to Woman Magazine about the changes, Amy admitted saying goodbye to some of her co-stars had been 'sad'. 'It's so sad to see some of your Strictly family move on,' she told the publication. '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 how the show had helped her personally, following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, she continued: '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.'
Amy's Personal Journey
Amy previously feared she might never dance again after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Following chemotherapy and two mastectomies, the professional dancer has since revealed she is feeling 'fitter and stronger than ever'. The dancer will return to the ballroom alongside fellow 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.
Meanwhile, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke will all resume their roles on the judging panel.
Amy's Strictly History
Amy joined the show in 2017 and has since partnered with various celebrities including Brian Conley, Danny John-Jules and Karim Zeroual. With the latter, the pair came close to lifting the Glitterball trophy in 2019, but missed out on the win to Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse. After being paired with Thomas Skinner and voted out of the competition in week one last year, the professional dancer is hoping for greater success this year.
Ahead of being confirmed for this year's series, she revealed she was keen to make it to Blackpool to prove to herself that she 'is back', following her tough few years.
Confirmed Celebrities for 2026
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 cyclist Dame Sarah Storey, a multiple Paralympic gold medallist, although this has not yet been confirmed.
