Amy Dowden, the talented professional dancer from Caerphilly, is set to make her comeback to the world of dance with the live tour of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Dowden, 34, had previously been forced to withdraw from the show's most recent series due to an injury, but fans can expect to see her performing alongside her celebrity partner, JB Gill, starting this January.
Dowden's absence from the competition was particularly poignant as she had recently returned to dancing after undergoing treatment for stage-three breast cancer. After her successful treatment earlier this year, she was poised to compete once more but faced setbacks when she suffered what was described as an "insufficiency stress fracture" on her shin, leading to her departure from the show.
With the tour kicking off on January 17 at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena and traveling to several cities, Dowden's return has generated excitement among fans and cast members alike. Gill has kept the spotlight even brighter as he and his replacement partner, Lauren Oakley, advanced to the show’s finals, with Gill expressing gratitude for Dowden's unwavering support throughout their unique circumstances.
“She (Amy) was there at the semi-final and she’s over the moon,” Gill said at a recent press conference, referring to Dowden's reaction upon reaching the finals without her. He noted how much she had supported him from day one, affirming her significant role in his success. “It’s very unorthodox... but she’s very much a part of the partnership,” he emphasized, highlighting how invaluable Dowden has been to him even from the sidelines.
With the tour featuring several well-known faces, including finalists and professional dancers, the lineup promises to deliver exceptional entertainment. Alongside Dowden and Gill, performers such as Katya Jones, Sarah Hadland, and Tasha Ghouri are set to grace the stage throughout the tour. Each performance will also include audience participation to vote for their favorite couples, adding to the excitement.
“Arena audiences around the country are in for a real treat,” expressed Janette Manrara, the tour host and It Takes Two presenter. She referred to the tour as 'bigger and more brilliant than ever' and emphasized the joy of welcoming back Amy to the dance floor. The anticipation surrounding the return of both familiar and new dance couples is palpable, with fans eager for their chance to witness live performances.
The tour will also feature the judges from the show – Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and for the first time on the tour, Motsi Mabuse. They will provide their expert insight and scores on the performances, ensuring audiences get the full experience of Strictly Come Dancing.
Reflecting on her earlier challenges, Dowden had concluded her health struggles were unrelated to her current injury, expressing her resilience and determination to return to the stage. After announcing she had no evidence of disease following her cancer treatments, Dowden's enthusiasm for returning to dance was fervent. She stated she felt "heartbroken" to miss out on competing but is thrilled for the opportunity to be part of the live tour.
Despite Dowden's withdrawal from the competition, her influence on the series remained significant. The recent announcement of her participation alongside Gill and Oakley has reignited the excitement surrounding her comeback.
While the current series concluded without Dowden's on-stage presence, her spirit and support were felt throughout. Gill, who entered the finals alongside his new partner, made history with his outstanding performances, receiving perfect scores throughout the competition. On the importance of his dance with Dowden, he shared, “I didn’t know how [the partner change] would affect my overall experience, but Lauren is amazing.” He attributed his success as much to Dowden’s guidance as to his new partner’s energy.
The tour will culminate with its final performance at London's O2 Arena on February 9, and tickets are now available for purchase. Fans are encouraged to gather their groups for what guarantees to be unforgettable nights of dance, excitement, and entertainment.
