Amy Dowden says her ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ return is a “celebration” after her cancer battle and admits she is “proud” to have made it back onto the dance floor

Amy Dowden says being back on Strictly Come Dancing is a “celebration” following her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The 34-year-old professional dancer was forced to take a break from the BBC One Latin and ballroom competition after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, and she is thrilled to be heading back to the dancefloor this year with her celebrity partner, JLS singer JB Gill, 37, after going into remission.

In an interview with Closer magazine, she said: “It’s been such a celebration. It’s so lush. I feel like I’m home. We’ve worked so hard over the last few weeks on spectacular group numbers, I’m just so excited for the 20th year to be hitting your screens.”

Amy – who was supported during her battle by her friends and family and especially her husband Ben Jones – is extremely proud to be back as there were times during her cancer treatment where she never believed she would be able to dance again.

She said: “It’s so surreal. I can’t believe the place I was in this time last year to what I am now. There were so many times when I didn’t think it was going to be possible. I’m just really proud of myself. I hope it gives others going through treatment hope and courage.”

Amy has been previously paired up with stars like McFly’s Tom Fletcher, 39, EastEnders actor James Bye, 40 and many more, and she has advised this season’s crop of celebrities to “enjoy every second” of their time on Strictly Come Dancing, despite what judges Shirley Ballas, 64, Craig Revel-Horwood, 59, Motsi Mabuse, 43, and Anton Du Beke, 58, may have to say about their ballroom skills.

She said: “Your going to be taken on a ride of a lifetime. It’s fabulous, it’s fun and it’s full of sparkle. Just embrace and enjoy every second of opportunity of a lifetime. And don’t take yourself too seriously – just go out there and enjoy it.”