Strictly's Amy Dowden reveals agonising cancer rehab before dancefloor return
Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden has candidly shared her challenging journey to recovery after her cancer battle, confessing that her rehabilitation was "a lot harder than she imagined." The 34 year old professional dancer, who faced stage three breast cancer last May, made a triumphant return to Strictly this year following her all-clear in February and is partnered with JB Gill in the competition. Despite the difficulties, Amy expressed her joy at being back on the dance floor, not taking any moment for granted.
The MBE honouree opened up on the Mirror's Invite Only podcast, saying: "It has been so lovely to be back. I'm making the most of every week of rehearsals, every camera block, every dress run. I'm the one on stage shouting out: 'Happy dress run everyone!' on a Friday. It's the best feeling, I am super grateful to be back and what a lovely partner to be back with."
Discussing her path to regaining strength, Amy revealed: "I worked really, really hard on my rehab, it was a lot harder than I imagined, not gonna lie. The last several months of getting my body back... I'm still on that road, I guess. But I'm grateful for my body getting through it, and I try not to compare myself to Amy before, because I'm a new Amy now."
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Amy's comeback to Strictly Come Dancing was marked with a stand-out pro dancer routine, where she dazzled in a vivid pink gown. Reflecting on the poignant experience, Amy shared her emotions from the rehearsal space, saying: "It was really special. The production team came to watch us at the end of the rehearsals, and at the end I just burst into tears. It was just so lovely, and lovely to dance with Aljaz (Skorjanec) too with him being back. On the night, my husband, my parents and my twin sister all came to watch, and it was the first time they had seen me dance since my cancer diagnosis. It was a really special moment, everyone was in floods of tears."
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The Welsh dancer and her celebrity partner JB thrilled the judges during the first live show on Saturday 21 September with their waltz to the classic 1970s Leo Sayer hit When I Need You. Before their dance, JB talked to PA about their journey to the dance floor: "For me, I think it's just trusting Amy, she's the pro for a reason, I trust her judgment." He said, "We talk a lot, and I think our chemistry is very strong, even from the outset."
This week is Movie Week, and JB and Amy will be dancing the American Smooth to Pure Imagination from 2023 movie Wonka.
