Amy Dowden shone on Saturday when she made her long-awaited return to Strictly Come Dancing. In a special celebratory welcome dance, Amy swept across the dance floor with her fellow pros for a dramatic number, including a dance with new dad Aljaž Škorjanec, who also returns to the series after a two-year absence .

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has received a standing ovation in an emotional return to the ballroom. The professional dancer, who has been on the hit BBC show since 2017, was notably absent from last year's series after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Amy Dowden was hoisted aloft on to the shoulders of her fellow pro dancers tonight in a rousing celebration of her return to Strictly Come Dancing in the series opener. Following her cancer battle, the Welsh pro dancer, 34, was partnered by Aljaz in a pulsating dance routine among the glitter and sequins of Elstree Studios.

Amy Dowden receives standing ovation after first dance on Strictly since cancer diagnosis Strictly Come Dancing, BBC

Amy Dowden said she was "so happy I could burst" after her first live Strictly Come Dancing performance since being treated for breast cancer. The 24-year-old professional and her celebrity partner, singer JB Gill,

Amy Dowden tops judges’ leaderboard on Strictly Come Dancing return - The Welsh dancer missed out on having a celebrity partner last year because she was receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Strictly Come Dancing audience members were reduced to tears as Amy Dowden returned to the show for her first live performance after beating cancer. The 34-year-old professional dancer missed out on competing in last year's series after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 when she found a lump the day before her honeymoon.

Professional dancer Amy Dowden says a return to the Strictly dancefloor will be "beautiful for [her] family". The Strictly star is paired with celebrity partner JLS singer JB Gill and will perform in tonight's first life performance.