Amy has been unable to compete in the current series of Strictly as she was undergoing treatment for cancer, but has made repeated appearances in the studio.
In the lead-up to the finale, the Welsh star revealed she’d intended to perform a surprise routine on the show, but these plans were scuppered when she broke her foot.
However, she did appear in Saturday’s opening group number, dancing with her fellow professionals to welcome this year’s finalists and serving up some fabulous fan-ography.
Strictly viewers were delighted with Amy’s surprise appearance, with many writing they’d been moved to tears seeing her back where she belongs…
Amy first joined Strictly’s team of professional dancers in 2017.
“An afternoon of chemo and then I’m so lucky and grateful to be able to ring that bell!” she wrote on Instagram. “[I] will never take it for granted! Thank you to the incredible Sheldon Unit! You are all amazing.”
To treat her cancer, the Welsh ballroom and Latin dance performer began a particular chemotherapy treatment known as the “red devil” at the beginning of this month, and recently shared how she was feeling during her second round.
On Wednesday evening, Amy posted a selfie from a hospital bed, celebrating the fact she was going home to her own bed, apparently for the first time since Monday.
And although she shared that she’d been presented with “another hurdle”, Amy assured her followers she was “feeling good”.
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“And I’m going home to my own bed!” she enthused. “Thanks again to the marvellous NHS!
“Got some blood clots but I’m feeling good other than a sore and swollen arm. Another hurdle along this journey. But again forever grateful to the NHS and my heroes around me. Can’t wait to get into my own bed [for the first time] since Monday though.”
On Wednesday night, she posted a picture on her Instagram story of herself holding some of the hair she’d lost, writing: “Welcome home! So much every day! So hard! One day at a time!”
Amy shared another update on her Instagram story on Wednesday night
Instagram/Amy Dowden
While Amy’s treatment means she will not be able to compete on Strictly when it returns to our screens next month, she previously shared that she wanted to be “present” during this year’s live shows “in some way”.
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“If I have to have chemotherapy, I’ll be present in some way, even if I’m in a wig,” she told The Mirror back in June. “I know amazing hair people with Strictly.
“Whether it’s on It Takes Two, or being up in Claudia’s area waiting for the scores, I’ll be there.”
Amy first competed on Strictly in 2017, and during that time has been partnered with contestants including actor Danny John-Jules, EastEnders stars Brian Conley and James Bye, Invictus Games athlete JJ Chalmers, McFly singer Tom Fletcher and presenter Karim Zeroual, with whom she reached the Strictly final back in 2019.
Last year, she also danced with CBeebies regular George Webster on Strictly’s annual Christmas special.
On Sunday, Amy shared an update with her Instagram followers on Sunday about her second round of the treatment.
“[I] wanted to be open and honest with you all from start,” she began. “So, this cycle, I started feeling sick soon as second lot of ‘red devil’ was going in.
“Got home very tired and started being sick (even with all the anti-sickness). By Friday afternoon the sickness stopped and just waves of nausea. Still taking anti-sickness now.”
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Amy added that she was missing out on a sleep as a result of steroids she was taking, and was also experiencing mouth ulcers.
She continued: “What I’ve found harder this time round and the last few days is the hair shredding […] As much as I prepared myself, waking up everyday gently combing my hair with a wide comb and seeing what comes out is just heartbreaking personally for me.
“I’m only washing my hair once, max twice, a week, not using any heat on my hair or styling it so I just don’t feel like me. So it’s time to bring out the wig I say, and get used to this and help me feel like me.
“I know this won’t last forever, but during this time, and knowing normally these few months are my favourite time of the year, and I feel myself wishing these months away just hurts so much.
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“I know [and I am] telling myself the way you look hasn’t changed Amy who I am inside ([I] still have my chatty annoying spells, mad ideas, determination and want to help others). I’m still Amy!
“Some days last week I’d wake and for the first few seconds you forget, then suddenly it all hits you, the day and challenges ahead, and your new reality, and it’s tough. [I’ve] had a few morning cry’s [sic] and [I’m] learning that’s OK too.
“But I’ve got some dates in the diary on my good periods I’m working towards, and I feel this will really help me and the person I am. Something to look forward and work towards. [I] know through the other side I’ll become a better, stronger person and will feel and look like Amy again!”
Amy ended her message by thanking people for their “lovely messages asking how I am”.
“I want to be open and honest and hopefully help others going through or those supporting those on their journeys too!” She wrote.
“I read them all, just don’t always have the energy to reply but I want you to know it really helps, and means more than you will every know! Not taken for granted and really appreciated and noticed! You truly see how lucky you are to have with amazing loved ones around you! Love to you all.”
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A screenshot of Amy’s Instagram posts
Instagram/Amy Dowden
Although Amy’s treatment means she will not be well enough to compete on Strictly when it returns to our screens next month, she previously shared that she wanted to be “present” during live shows “in some way”.
“If I have to have chemotherapy, I’ll be present in some way, even if I’m in a wig,” she insisted to The Mirror back in June. “I know amazing hair people with Strictly.
“Whether it’s on It Takes Two, or being up in Claudia’s area waiting for the scores, I’ll be there.”
Amy joined Strictly in 2017, and during that time has been partnered with stars including actor Danny John-Jules, EastEnders stars Brian Conley and James Bye, Invictus Games athlete JJ Chalmers, McFly singer Tom Fletcher and presenter Karim Zeroual, with whom she reached the Strictly final back in 2019.
Last year, she performed with CBeebies regular George Webster on the show’s annual Christmas special.
On Sunday evening, the BBC confirmed that Tom and his professional partner Amy Dowden had tested positive for coronavirus and would need to self-isolate.
Because of this, they will not be appearing in the second of this year’s live shows, but will be allowed to return to Strictly the following week.
Following the news, Amy shared a post on her Instagram page, assuring her followers that she was not experiencing Covid symptoms.
Guy Levy/BBCAmy Dowden and Tom Fletcher on the Strictly dance floor
“Unfortunately Tom and I have tested positive for Covid-19. I’m not suffering any symptoms but am now isolating at home,” she wrote.
“I have no doubt that over the next 10 days my mind will be going crazy with choreography ideas ready to get back on the Strictly dance floor for the live show in week three!
“Thank you for all of the support and good luck to all of the couples this week. I will be cheering you all on!”
Clearly keeping his spirits up, Tom – who had been on tour with his band McFly until he tested positive for Covid – then commented: “Rest up partner. We’ve got to pull something special out of the bag for week 3.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden have tested positive for Covid-19. The pair are now self-isolating separately following the latest government guidelines.
“While they will both miss Saturday’s live show, Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week.”
Tom and Amy were the first of this year’s Strictly couples to perform on Saturday night, earning 21 points from the judges for their Cha Cha Cha routine.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday night at 6.45pm on BBC One.
