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, and her treatment meant she could not take part in last year’s series.
While the Welsh star made special appearances on the show, she expressed her desire to return full-time as she kept fans updated on her treatment and health. Taking to Instagram on Monday, Dowden wrote, “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!”
Dowden revealed in February that tests had shown “no evidence of disease”, but she would not officially be given the all-clear for five years due to the nature of her hormone-fed cancer. She described the news as her “biggest accomplishment yet” and thanked her husband, family, friends, and fans for their support.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is set to air in September. One familiar face missing from the line-up is Giovanni Pernice, who is currently under investigation 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.
