Amy Dowden makes feelings clear on history-making BBC Strictly gesture after being forced to leave series early

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has revealed she “feels like Amy again” after being forced to withdraw from the latest series of the BBC dance competition due to a broken foot bone.

The Welsh dancer, who was originally partnered with JLS star JB Gill, had to step down mid-season following her injury.

Speaking about her current state, Dowden said: “I feel like Amy again. 2025, my energy levels are different and I’m super excited to be back on tour and to be able to dance with JB again.”

The professional dancer admitted their journey was “cut so unexpectedly short” when she suffered the injury that prevented her from continuing in the competition.

Dowden is now set to make Strictly history alongside JB Gill and Lauren Oakley as the first-ever trio to perform on the show’s live tour across the UK.

Lauren Oakley, who stepped in to partner with JB after Amy’s departure, will join them for this groundbreaking performance format.

JB expressed his enthusiasm about the unique arrangement, also telling The Mirror: “Listen I always like breaking records and setting records. It’s amazing. The reality of it is that I get to dance with two incredible dancers. Two incredible women.”

The JLS star added that he had “the pleasure of dancing with them both throughout the competition” and was looking forward to performing their favourite dances on tour.

In a candid New Year’s Eve social media post, Dowden opened up about her struggles during the past year.

“Last year struggling seeing everyone’s memories of the past year when I felt I’d been robbed of the year, was going into uncertainty and didn’t feel the slightest bit like Amy,” she wrote.

The dancer shared a heartfelt message to others facing similar challenges: “Please don’t feel alone, reach out to a loved one or there’s many helplines. Remember you never truly know what someone is going through.”

She concluded her post with words of encouragement: “I’m sending all my Welsh love to those who need it entering 2025. And I’ll forever keep saying this too shall pass. Don’t get bitter get better.”

JB Gill has revealed details about how the unique trio format will work during the live tour performances.

“In act one I do a dance with Amy then in act two I do a dance with Lauren,” he explained to the publication.

The singer also teased that all three performers will share the stage together, adding: “We do actually dance together though the group dances but you will have to wait and see that.”

The innovative performance structure marks a departure from the traditional Strictly tour format, allowing audiences to see both professional dancers showcase their partnerships with the JLS star.

Amy’s return to Strictly in September came following significant health challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis in May 2023 and her ongoing battle with Crohn’s disease.

In February last year, the dancer received positive news from her medical team.

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Her health check showed “no evidence of disease”, which she described as “words I dreamed of” and her “biggest accomplishment yet”.

Despite these challenges and her subsequent foot injury, Dowden’s return to dancing on the upcoming tour marks a significant milestone in her recovery journey.

The Welsh professional’s resilience through multiple health setbacks has now led to her historic participation in the first-ever Strictly tour trio.