Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed that professional dancer Amy Dowden is returning to the show for its 22nd series. The 33-year-old was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023, which prevented her from taking part in last year's series.
Dowden made special appearances on the show during her treatment and kept fans updated on her health. In February, she revealed that tests showed 'no evidence of disease', though she will not be officially given the all-clear for five years due to the nature of her hormone-fed cancer.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, Dowden shared the news with her 661,000 followers, writing: 'MY HEART IS SO HAPPY. The best team on and off the dance floor. I can’t wait to be back doing what I love most in the world, dancing!' She added that she feels 'blessed and more excited than EVER'.
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to screens in September. However, Italian professional dancer Giovanni Pernice will not be in the line-up, as he is currently being investigated for 'misconduct' following allegations of 'threatening and abusive behaviour' towards former celebrity partners. Pernice has rejected the allegations and said he looks forward to clearing his name.
