Amy Dowden of Strictly Come Dancing thanked her co-stars as she returned to the BBC show’s set after being diagnosed with cancer.
The 33-year-old professional dancer was forced to withdraw from the ballroom dancing show after learning she had stage three breast cancer.
Following the start of the new season, the actress turned to Instagram to express her admiration for her former coworkers.
She shared photos from her return to the set and sent an emotional message of support to the current actors.
It read: ‘Tune in tonight for the first results show of the series! The standard this year is insane. What a great two live shows so far.
‘I was lucky to be able to be there for tonights opening number a few weeks back and all I can say is WOW! What another incredible number created by @jasongilkison.
‘It’s moments like this I need right now, escaping me from my now at the moment reality and I’m so thankful to the entire @bbcstrictly for this. Hoping to back with the gang real soon.
‘There’s no text book or right/ wrong way to deal with your cancer journey. Everyone deals with it rightly their way.’
Her post continued: ‘I’m so lucky to be surrounded by so much support which I don’t take for granted and days like here is what keeps me going.
‘I’m dreaming every night of dancing on that floor again but right now I’m my fellow pro’s proudest and biggest cheerleader.
‘Who’s your fav so far?! #strictlycomedancing #forevergrateful #strictlyfamily #support.’
Her friends and followers flocked to the comments section to express their admiration for the dancer and to provide words of encouragement to Amy.
Fellow Strictly star Katya Jones said: ‘YOU are our favourite!!! And we miss you with us dearly!!!!!!!!! so glad we got to spend that day with you.’
Currently paired with Bobby Brazier on the show, Dianne Buswell typed: ‘Can’t wait for you to be back i miss you chewing my ear off with just classic amy chit chat.’
‘Love you so much. These pictures are pure joy and can’t wait to see you back on the dance floor shining away ! Sending all my love and positive thoughts your way,’ a fan added.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
