Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden is returning to the dancefloor to assist a couple who moved their wedding forward due to a cancer diagnosis.
The Welsh professional dancer, 33, has previously expressed how she felt ‘robbed’ of the year she had planned after discovering a lump in her breast in April, just before her honeymoon.
She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023 and was unable to compete on Strictly during the most recent series, although she did make unexpected cameos that pleased fans and has kept following updated on her treatment.
Amy is currently back on the dancefloor, helping the public learn routines on the reality show Dare To Dance.
The second season will include a Wrexham FC-obsessed couple who are about to marry, as well as an appearance from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia writer Rob McElhenney, who co-owns the team with Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds.
Amy will also meet a young lady who stopped dancing after losing her sight and confidence, a fireman with a secret passion of dance, and two friends ready to dance at a Windrush Day celebration.
She said: ‘I am so delighted Dare To Dance is back. When I dance, I feel like I can overcome anything.
‘It’s something I want more people to experience, I really believe it can change your life.
‘I was never going to let my diagnosis get in the way of what I love most and I am thrilled that my wonderful dance family could step in to ensure my wonderful students blew their family and friends away with their performance.’
Dianne Buswell and Graziano Di Prima of Strictly Come Dancing will join her, as will Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse.
Nick Andrews, senior head of commissioning, BBC Cymru Wales, said: ‘It’s terrific to have Dare To Dance back on our screens but grab a hanky, it’s emotional stuff.
‘Amy has drawn together an incredible and brave bunch of people as well as some of her showbiz mates.
‘This is foot-tappingly watchable telly with oodles of drama. It’s both terrifying and joyful and only the remarkable Amy Dowden could have pulled it off.’
Since declaring her diagnosis, Amy has shared updates on her mastectomy and fertility therapy, as well as how she is accepting her new body and scars.
Amy told Instagram followers on New Year’s Eve: ‘I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry but later I’m going to make myself look through my camera roll and remember all the good times, the amazing opportunities I had, family time but also taking time to realise I learnt the most this year.’
She continued, explaining that she ‘experienced rock bottom, felt I lost my identity and dancing’.
However, Amy felt that she became ‘a stronger, braver person who I’m taking forward with me to 2024’.
‘For those struggling to reflect today remember it’s ok. I feel much better after a little cry this morning and blessed to be celebrating with friends round tonight the GOOD BYE to 2023!’
The dancer concluded: ‘Sending love and hugs to those that need it! Ps as it’s the last day of 2023 why not #checkyourchests.’
Dare To Dance airs on BBC One Wales and iPlayer next month.
