'My heart couldn't be more full' - Amy Dowden shares touching Instagram post following surprise Strictly final performance

Virgin Radio

18 Dec 2023, 09:13

Following her return to Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend, Amy Dowden has taken to social media to explain why her appearance in the final was “bitter sweet”.

The professional dancer was not part of this year’s competition after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in May and undergoing treatment. Whilst she has since been in the Strictly audience, and appeared on spin-off show It Takes Two, Saturday night’s final (16th December) represented the first time she has got back on the dancefloor with her fellow pros. And she did so despite having recently fractured her foot. 

The Welsh dancer has now posted a video and some photos on Instagram, saying: “Strictly 2023 thank you! Congratulations to our fabulous winners and finalists but also to every member of the team! It’s truly a dream team!”

She continued: “My aim this year was to be able to dance in some way and after breaking my foot the plans had to change but as always the incredible team still made it happen.”

On being able to take part in the opening dance routine, she said: “To have that adrenaline rush from performing in front of an audience, to be back with the gang made me feel like Amy again (the first time since my diagnosis). Thank you @bbcstrictly for helping me through these past few months. You’ve helped me more than you will ever know! This show certainly brings joy to the nation.

“It’s bitter sweet coming to the end for me as this has been my only bit of normality the past few months and given me the distraction and focus to be there on Saturdays when I could with the team. My heart couldn’t be more full than it is for this show and everyone involved. So proud to be part of the magic! Thank you! 🙏 💖”

Friends were quick to comment, with fellow dancer Dianne Buswell writing: “There are not enough words to describe you Amy ! i just love you so much 💗 absolutely loved having you on that floor again with us where you belong ! there is a real void when your not there so it all just felt right again xx 🙏”

Gorka Márquez added: “Was so amazing to see you there back on the Floor smiling and doing what u love”

Earlier this month, Amy shared with fans that she had found a blood clot on her lung, which means she has to take more medication.