Amy Dowden made headlines with her valiant return to Strictly Come Dancing last year, yet questions about her future on the glittering stage still loom. After her breast cancer diagnosis in May 2023, the renowned professional dancer was forced to miss the year’s series as she underwent life-changing treatment.
Her remarkable comeback came last September during the 2024 series when she was partnered with JLS singer JB Gill—a moment celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
Tragically, Amy’s renewed campaign was cut short when a foot injury forced her to withdraw from the competition once again. Lauren Oakley stepped in to partner with JB, and together they dazzled audiences, advancing all the way to the final.
Despite this setback, Amy’s resilience shone through when, just a few months later, she rejoined Strictly for the UK tour and performed alongside JB once more, reaffirming her commitment to the show.
Now, like her fellow professionals, Amy is eagerly awaiting confirmation from the producers about her participation in the 2025 season. Speaking to The Mirror, she revealed, “We are waiting to find out, fingers crossed. We would love to but we are waiting for the decision to be made which is normally the Spring time.”
Meanwhile, Amy is teaming up with fellow Strictly pro Carlos Gu as the duo prepares to launch their highly anticipated Reborn tour next month. This new venture promises to showcase her talent and offer fans another chance to see her perform live.
Reflecting on her recent experiences, Amy admitted her comeback was not quite as triumphant as she had envisioned, acknowledging the immense pressure she placed on herself. The dancer, recently honored with an MBE for her contributions to Chron’s disease, thoughtfully shared, “Last year, it was a lot of emotions, excitement but I think also pressure I had put on myself.”
Speaking candidly about her personal challenges, Amy explained, “I think this year, I would be able to truly go in and enjoy it and I think that's what I would be looking forward to the most [if she took part]. I really do truly feel like Amy again. Last year, I wasn’t confident in myself really deep down. I think I was still trying to accept everything. I didn’t look the same, with my hair growing back. You could see a difference in me.”
During the Strictly tour, Amy had a pivotal heart-to-heart with fellow professional Dianne Buswell, who remarked at rehearsals, “We have got Amy back.” That simple yet powerful moment served to reaffirm Amy’s inner strength.
Should she be called back for the next series, she promises to embrace and enjoy every moment, marking a new chapter of resilience and renewal.
Shifting focus, Lorraine Kelly has recently made headlines herself with comments about her previous boyband guests on her ITV show. Praising JB Gill and his JLS bandmates as “an absolute delight,” the Scottish television presenter reflected on her numerous interviews with the band since their X Factor debut.
“Thank you so much JB, give the boys my love,” she told JB at the end of their chat. “You know how fond I am of all of you - you were always absolutely lovely.”
Yet, Lorraine didn't shy away from playfully critiquing some of her past guests: “Can’t say the same about them all!”
Earlier on the show, Lorraine shared light-hearted commentary on Queen Camilla adopting a new rescue pup, expressing her delight over the news. Lorraine aired her thoughts on the recent Alec Baldwin reality show as well, calling it