Strictly's Amy Dowden shares incredible Movie Week photos a year apart with powerful message

Professional dancer Amy Dowden, 34, shared a post on Instagram with two photos of herself - one taken last night and one a year ago - and said she is glad to be back on Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared some incredible photos of herself taken during the show's Movie Week one year apart, adding a powerful message to her social media post.

The 34-year-old professional dancer, who didn't compete last year as she was undergoing treatment for cancer, returned to the show during Movie Week 2023 to support her co-stars and read the terms and conditions. It was the first time that Amy made the brave decision to go in public without her wig after sharing her hair off during her chemotherapy.

She wore a stunning glittering white dress and spoke of her excitement at being back on the show, despite not competing that year. But the dancer, who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year, was finally welcomed back to Strictly with open arms this year after being given the all clear in February.

Amy's emotional return has seen fans cheering on her all-clear and her partner, singer and television presenter JB Gill, 37. Last night, the pair danced an American Smooth to Pure Imagination from last year's Wonka movie, scoring a total of 32 points out of 40.

And this afternoon, Amy took to Instagram to share an emotional post - a photo of herself on Saturday night and another taken one year ago. In the caption, she reflected on her feelings when she briefly returned to Strictly during Movie Week last year and admitted to breaking down in tears after the show as she felt "overwhelmed" and missed dancing.

She said dancing last night was "a pure dream" and praised her dance partner, describing him as "the ultimate gentleman, caring, calm, hardworking, super talented." Amy wrote on her post: "Movie week a year apart. A year ago was my first appearance on strictly 2023 during my cancer treatment where I did terms and conditions for movie week and the first time braving it going bald to the nation.

"I remember that day so well, so excited to be there yet so far away from that dance floor. A year ago it was a pure imagination to be dancing. I remember the show finishing and breaking down in tears because I was so overwhelmed and so missing that feeling on the floor.

"Last night was a pure dream dancing and watching everyone with their brilliant movie week routines. But also sharing the experience with @jbgill who is just the ultimate gentleman, caring, calm, hardworking, super talented and so understanding knowing how every week is such a special milestone for me this year. Thank you partner. Tune in tonight to see who’s through."

Her fellow Strictly pro dancer Vito Coppola, who won Strictly alongside his partner Ellie Leach last year and is paired with Sarah Hadland this year, praised Amy in the comment section and told her she is beautiful, adding that the whole cast is happy to have her back on the show. Vito said: "I always call you beautiful Amy because you are and you have always been beautiful. We love you and we are happy to have you back with us in the Family. In this pic all I see it's how beautiful you are. Keep shining."

Strictly contestant Montell Douglas, who is paired with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, added: "All I see is that beautiful smile." Tasha Ghouri added: "You're so amazing Amy!!"

Many fans praised Amy for doing so well and always putting her smile on despite going through a tough time. One wrote: "What an inspiring woman. I've just finished your book and you are so so strong." Another added: "So proud of you Amy after everything you've been through. I wish you well and nothing but success."

During an appearance on The Mirror's Invite Only podcast this week, Amy admitted the road back to fitness has not been an easy one, and said she has had to learn to not compare herself to the person she was before. Amy, who was awarded an MBE in June, said: "It has been so lovely to be back. I'm making the most of every week of rehearsals, every camera block, every dress run. I'm the one on stage shouting out: 'Happy dress run everyone' on a Friday. It's the best feeling, I am super grateful to be back and what a lovely partner to be back with."

Asked about her recovery, she went on: "I worked really really hard on my rehab, it was a lot harder than I imagined not gonna lie. The last several months of getting my body back... I'm still on that road, I guess. But I'm grateful for my body getting through it, and I try not to compare myself to Amy before, because I'm a new Amy now."

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

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