September 23rd 2023.
Viewers of Strictly Come Dancing were left tearful when Amy Dowden made a surprise appearance in the first live show of the 2023 series. The 33-year-old Welsh professional dancer, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, wanted to let her fans know that she was still rooting for them.
The opening sequence for each live programme introduces the celebrities and their partners, with this year's cast including Bobby Brazier, Zara McDermott, Amanda Abbington, Les Dennis, and Angela Rippon. As the end shot showed the professional dancers who don't have partners this year, including Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, and Michelle Tsiakkas, Amy had her own moment in the spotlight. She smiled and beamed at the camera, swishing her skirt around with grace.
The surprise moment left Strictly viewers tearful and emotional on Twitter. “So glad they’ve included Amy in the opening titles,” one person wrote. Another expressed, “It’s lovely to see Amy included in the intro.”
Ahead of the first Strictly live show, Amy posted a photo of her dressed in her Strictly glamour on Instagram and wrote a message of encouragement, saying: “Happy live show day @bbcstrictly. Wishing the entire team a fabulous show and I know it’s going to be amazing! I’ve been kept up to date with the pros and a few sneaky FaceTimes! Literally can’t wait to watch and support you all. Hopefully, I’ll be there in a few weeks.”
The dancer was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer earlier this year and admitted that it was the “hardest step so far” as she had to shave her head, despite previously attempting to save her hair with a cold cap. She added that it will “take some time” to get used to her new look, but that she is focused on getting back to being the “happy, dancing tea lover who talks way too fast, rolling every R and who is still there inside, with our without hair.”
Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman gave Amy a shout-out during the launch show last Saturday. Tess said: “We are, of course, missing one of our professional dancers. Our gorgeous Amy Dowden is unwell and she can’t be with us for the start of the series. She’s our Welsh dragon and we know she’ll be back soon.” Claudia added, “Amy, from your entire Strictly family we are sending all our love and we can’t wait to have you back on the dancefloor.”
Despite not being able to take part with a celebrity partner this year, Amy has remained optimistic about her future on the dancefloor. Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and iPlayer each weekend and viewers are eager to see Amy back on the dancefloor soon. Who are you backing in Strictly 2023?
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