Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden to have special tribute during show as she returns following cancer treatment

Strictly Come Dancing is set to pay tribute to Amy Dowden this weekend following her diagnosis with breast cancer.

On Saturday (14 September), the premiere ballroom competition returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer with a special live launch show.

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals are due to open the programme - hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman - with choreography by Jason Gilkison before officially welcoming 34-year-old Dowden back into the fold.

The Welshwoman and former National Champion was forced to miss the majority of Strictly’s 21st season due to undergoing cancer treatment.

She was initially diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023 after finding a lump in her breast the night before her honeymoon.

On Saturday, the star is due to complete her reality TV comeback by performing an empowering Quickstep routine at Elstree Studios.

To celebrate Strictly’s 20th anniversary and herald in the series’ 22nd outing, Dowden will perform to a medley of tracks including Dua Lipa’s ‘Training Season’ and various songs by Jungle.

Following news of her return, Dowden revealed: “It feels like it's my first year again.

Amy Dowden (right) is set to be honoured during the launch show (BBC)

“I'm buzzing to see the whole team, for costumes, for dance routines, to meet the celebrities, the judges.

“Everyone's laughing at me because I am just smiling constantly. I'd like to dedicate this dance to my pink sisters who have supported me through the past year and to all those currently facing cancer.”

Meanwhile, Strictly’s executive producer Sarah James claimed that everyone was ‘incredibly happy’ to have the chance to welcome the professional dancer back to the competition.

“She will bring her sparkle, passion for dance, creative choreography and Welsh charm,” she continued as per the BBC. “Welcome back Amy, let's make it the best year yet!"

Meanwhile, choreographer Gilkison added that it had been ‘an absolute pleasure’ to work with Dowden on the Quickstep routine.

After initially being diagnosed with grade III breast cancer, Dowden underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and fertility treatment.

Amy made her Strictly debut back in 2017 (BBC)

Earlier this year, she announced that doctors had found ‘no evidence’ of cancer in her body, later claiming it was her ‘biggest accomplishment yet’.

“I won’t be getting the all clear for 5 years especially with a hormone fed cancer,” she wrote on Instagram.

“But it was all worth it. Words I never thought I’d hear at one point.”

“I will still need a monthly injection for 5 years and regular check ups,” she explained.

“Chemo and this past year has certainly took its toll on my body both physically and mentally, so I’ll be taking the next few months to heal and recover."

As well as Amy’s tribute dance, the Strictly launch show will announce the 15 official celebrity-professional pairings taking part in the series.

The likes of DIY SOS’ Nick Knowles, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean and Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri will all compete for the coveted Glitterball Trophy later this Autumn.

Tune into the Strictly Come Dancing live launch show on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, September 15 at 7.20pm.