Amy Dowden drops major BBC Strictly return news as she shares injury update days before finale: ‘Back dancing!’
Amy Dowden was forced to quit her role on Strictly Come Dancing this year after an injury to her foot meant the professional could no longer participate in the demanding show.
Dowden, 34, has starred in the BBC competition since 2017 but also sadly had to miss last year’s show as she underwent cancer treatment.
The favourite returned for this year’s 20th-anniversary series but suffered a devastating blow when she was forced to leave due to an injury, just days after reportedly collapsing backstage one show earlier.
Her partner, JLS star JB Gill, remained on the show as he formed a duo with Lauren Oakley, who stepped in to replace Dowden.
Gill, 38, has now made it to this weekend’s final, which is likely bittersweet for Dowden, who is now watching from the sidelines.
However, in a new update, the Welsh choreographer has revealed she is “back in the ballroom”.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Dowden posted a selfie, writing: “Back dancing in this magical ballroom.”Dowden beamed in the snap.
It’s thought the professional is back to rehearse a group number for this weekend’s finale.
Dowden was heartbroken about having to leave the show during this series, explaining to Instagram followers in November: “My heart is breaking right now.
“The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up.
“It was choreography, music choices, which dances were in order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again.”
“My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the Strictly dance floor,” she continued.
“It’s been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 to. Which with my incredible team we got there. Something I wanted to do for myself and loved ones.
“There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my Strictly family. Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB.”
She continued: “Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we was creating together with a blossoming friendship.
“JB thank you for being the perfect partner back. We topped the leader board week one and continued to work so hard and thank you for being so passionate about understanding the ballroom and Latin fundamentals.
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“For me that rumba will always be one of my favs. I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short.”
In a moving sign-off, she confessed: “My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing.
Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. “I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family thank you.
JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.” (sic)
Dowden’s cryptic post seems to suggest she may be back this weekend, potentially taking to the floor in a group dance.