Amy Dowden has confirmed she will dance with TV presenter Rylan Clark in a Children in Need special, with the pair set to perform in tribute to Rylan's mum, Linda. The announcement comes after Dowden became the first celebrity eliminated from the main Strictly Come Dancing competition this year, alongside hair stylist Chris Appleton.
Second Consecutive Early Exit
This marked the second consecutive year that Dowden was the first to leave Strictly, following her pairing with Thomas Skinner last year. Speaking about her departure with Chris on It Takes Two, she said: "From the first day to dancing on Saturday night, [Chris] grew and grew and grew [in confidence] and I'm just gutted that we didn't get the chance to continue." She added: "I honestly think there was so much more to come."
Announcement on Social Media
Dowden revealed the news on social media, writing: "The news is out, I'll be dancing with the lovely @rylan this Friday for @bbccin dedicating his dance to his mum. Tune in this Friday to see." Fans and supporters responded with enthusiasm in the comments, with Katherine Jenkins writing: "OMG dream team! ! ! !"
One fan commented: "Can't wait to see you two gorgeous peeps grace the dance floor! !" Another added: "What a beautiful partnership!" Someone else wrote: "Our two favourites, good luck you two. Keep dancing x." Others called for Rylan to join the main Strictly series, with one posting: "Awesome partnership, next years main show please."
Dowden on Strictly's Significance
Dowden's return to television follows her recent comments about how important Strictly has been to her, amid criticism the programme faced regarding this year's line-up. She told Mail Online: "We need to remember the core of Strictly is not changing. That competition, watching the celebrities learn to dance before every weekend, that's not changing and that's the heart and the reason why Strictly has been so successful for over the last two decades."
She added: "I'm so proud to be part of that show and it's got me through the darkest of times and I'm not sure where I would be right now without Strictly." Children in Need airs from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
