BBC Breakfast rally around Amy Dowden as she offers heartfelt insight into Strictly return

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden was supported by BBC Breakfast viewers as she offered an emotional insight into her return to the dance floor

BBC Breakfast viewers offered sweet support to Amy Dowden as she shared an update on her anticipated comeback to the show.

The professional dancer, 34, is preparing to dazzle on the much-loved dance floor once more, returning after a year's hiatus due to her battle with stage three breast cancer that began just after her honeymoon.

Now in the running to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy, Amy is teamed up with celebrity partner JB Gill from JLS for the landmark 20th series of the show. Ahead of the eagerly awaited inaugural live show, Amy joined Saturday's edition of BBC Breakfast for a chat.

David Sillito conducted a pre-recorded interview with the Welsh ballroom expert, where she provided a touching reflection on her return, equating it to 'coming home'.

Kicking off the discussion, David remarked: "For Amy Dowden this truly is part of an emotional journey as she returns to the show after treatment for cancer," reports the Express.

Directing his attention to Amy, he inquired about her wellbeing: "How are you? " Amy confidently replied: "I'm much better thank you and what a difference a year can make."

Acknowledging the challenges, David observed: "It's quite tough though coming back I'm guessing." To which Amy responded: "Um, it just feels like I'm coming back home and I didn't really go away I guess because I was so lucky last year with the production team keeping me involved."

She added: "My Strictly family have been with me every step of the way so it doesn't feel like I've been away. It's different now because I get to come back dancing this year and I've got a fabulous partner and I'm going to make the most of every second because we don't know what is around the corner."

Meanwhile, JLS member JB Gill expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with Amy as he said: "I was basically born on that big Saturday night of course with the X-Factor but I had a couple more people standing next to me then but I'm in great hands here with Amy."

The update comes amidst recent allegations of misconduct against professional dancers. The issue gained prominence after actress Amanda Abbington accused her partner, Giovanni Pernice, of abusive behaviour an accusation he has refuted.

Following these events, it came to light that Graziano Di Prima had been removed on allegations of "kicking" his reunion partner, reality TV personality Zara McDermott, during practice sessions. In response to growing concerns, the BBC has confirmed the introduction of chaperones in rehearsal spaces for the forthcoming series.

BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer