Amy Dowden shares emotional post about finally returning to work as she prepares for Strictly comeback amid show’s abuse scandal

Amy Dowden shared an emotional message about the ‘last few weeks’ as she prepares for her return to Strictly Come Dancing as the show grapples with the abuse scandal.

The 33-year-old dance professional enthusiastically talked about her preparations for a new part of her career after her brave battle with breast cancer.

Amy posted a stunning photo of herself and her Strictly co-star Carlos Gu, writing: ‘I can’t put into words how excited I am to be back on tour.

‘The last few weeks have been all about building my fitness, strength, nutrition and health, not wanting to go back to where I was, but also pushing myself to get better and stronger.

“It was tough, but I know the rewards of performing make it all worth it! Remember, don’t be bitter, be better (it also helps to have an amazing husband, family and friends like this who always believe in me).”

Fans were very emotional and rushed to compliment Amy, with several Strictly viewers keen to see the star on the dance floor again.

“I’m so happy you look so good. You’re such an inspiration,” one person wrote.

‘I can’t wait to see you on tour, to see you on stage again this year and next year. It’s going to mean the world to me and it’s going to be so special’;

‘This is fantastic Amy. Does this mean you’re coming back to Strictly?’;

‘We have tickets for the show in Aberdeen, we can’t wait to see you both’.

After Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year, she later said doctors had found “even more tumors” and she had to undergo chemotherapy.

The star confirmed earlier this month that she will return to Strictly in September, after taking a break from the show last year due to her treatment.

She has since been told that after the treatment there is no longer any evidence of the disease in her body.

However, due to the nature of her cancer, Amy won’t get the “all clear” for another five years.

After news of her return broke earlier this month, Amy took to Instagram to share her joy at being back doing what she loves. The news came just two days after she celebrated the one-year anniversary of her first surgery following her diagnosis.

“I am so happy and grateful to be back on @bbcstrictly. MY HEART IS SO HAPPY,” she said. “The best team on and off the dance floor.”

She added: ‘Can’t wait to get back to doing what I love most in the world, dancing! Feeling blessed and more excited than EVER. Bring it on! Thank you @bbcstrcitly for your support always. Eeeeeekkk #amysback.’

The dancer’s professional colleagues were immediately enthusiastic when they heard that she was back.

“ So happy you’re wearing what you belong with ,” Dianne Buswell wrote, while Graziano Di Prima said, “yeeesss.”

Amy’s long-awaited return comes as the show faces renewed allegations of bullying, with speculation that Strictly could be pulled.

Serious misconduct charges were first filed against Italian professional dancer Giovanni Pernice and fellow choreographer Graziano Di Prima, which made headlines.

Strictly has been on the ropes since 2023. Contestant Amanda Abbington, 53, accused partner Giovanni, 33, of “threatening and abusive behaviour” in January, leading to the 2021 champion quitting the show after three of his previous dance partners also raised concerns. The Italian has denied the claims.

Following her claims, Strictly launched an investigation into other people involved in the show, and introduced new measures aimed at ‘boosting’ behind-the-scenes welfare and support.

The extensive investigation resulted in the firing of Graziano, 30, last Saturday after his 2023 dance partner, Zara McDermott, 27, complained that he had physically attacked and verbally abused her.

Earlier this month, Amy also paid a beautiful tribute to her husband Benjamin Jones in honor of their second wedding anniversary.

The Strictly pro left her fans in tears when she posted a collection of gorgeous photos from the special day on her Instagram page.

She added a lengthy message to the photos, speaking directly to her 36-year-old soulmate: “Happy 2nd anniversary! I think it’s safe to say we’ve been through a lot during our marriage.”

“But I am eternally grateful! Thank you for the past year! I know it has been very hard for you to watch at times, but you stayed positive, kept the house clean, away from infections, and tried to keep me as positive as possible.

‘I love you even more! Let’s hope for a smoother year! But what I do know is that we have each other! More adventures, my crazy last minute plans, house renovations, dance school fun and basically just being ourselves!

“I love you always xxx your Amy xxx,” she finished.

Other Strictly stars responded en masse, expressing their unconditional support.

Australian professional dancer Dianne Buswell, who was also Amy’s bridesmaid at the 2022 wedding, wrote: ‘ Happy wedding day Love you both from your bridesmaid, I love you, I really do.’

The Italian choreographer, who won the final episode of Strictly with Ellie Leach, wrote: ‘Happy anniversary guuuuuuuys Can’t wait to see you guys.’

Ballroom legend and judge Shirley Ballas said: ‘Congratulations on your wedding day, two beautiful souls.’

Meanwhile, more fans were emotional about the tribute post and rushed to comment, with some saying: ‘People forget the incredible person behind the scenes when the worst possible thing happens. Happy anniversary, here’s to you incredible couple xx’;

‘Congratulations on your anniversary! You truly deserve so much happiness in your married life xx’;

‘What a beautiful message yes the person next to you also needs love and recognition. You kept each other going’

Amy proved her unconditional love for Ben once again when the couple faced a rough start to their married life when she discovered a lump in her breast the day before they were due to honeymoon in April 2023.