Amy Dowden 'grateful' as she shares emotional message ahead of Strictly Come Dancing return

Amy Dowden reached out to her "Strictly family" on and off the BBC show to thank them for their support as she made a return to the BBC show.

The 34 year old professional dancer was forced to miss out on last year's series as she underwent treatment for cancer. But now, the fan-favourite could not contain her excitement as she performed in front of her husband and family. As part of her return, she danced with her fellow pro dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, who she danced with on the night.

She said: "Tonight I return to @bbcstrictly doing what I love most DANCING with these talented souls. A big thank you to the entire strictly family on and off the dance floor for all your support through everything and to @jasongilkison for choreographing this beautiful number for my return! @aljazskorjanec for partnering me and making me feel confident."

She added: "It was so special as I had my husband and family in the audience. Their first time watching me dance again! So grateful to everyone and excited for the months ahead. #whatadifferenceayearmakes Tune in tonight for the fabulous strictly launch show 7.20pm bbc 1 #keepdancing -#backwhereibelong #strictlyfamily #dance #strictlycomedancing."

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Her fans wasted no time in responding to her message. One person said: "Awww so excited to see you back where you belong!" Another wrote: "So excited to see you back in your happy place!!" Amy was given the all clear earlier this year. Sarah James, the Executive producer of Strictly said: "We are all so incredibly happy that Amy is back in the Strictly Ballroom. She will bring her sparkle, passion for dance, creative choreography and Welsh charm. Welcome back Amy, let’s make it the best year yet!"

Meanwhile former Strictly star Brendan Cole has placed a question mark over Shayne Ward's ability to compete on the show. He said in a recent interview: "Shayne Ward is a lovely fella, very likable, so I'd imagine if he can dance, people will love him. I'm just not sure he'll be able to dance. I know he can move, but I'm not sure he can do the stuff that they do on Strictly, but time will tell." Last year, the Strictly judges came under fire for handing out high scores to the contestants early into the competition.

Addressing those claims and hoping for a change during this year's series, the professional dancer added: "If they [the judges] don't start with low scores this time, I think it'll be a shame for the show because as we saw last year, when they start high and there's nowhere to go, it doesn't really make it exciting. I'd be very surprised if production hasn't sort of come to them and said, ‘Listen, we can't start that hype guys’, but every year is slightly different from the last. The thing with judges, like anybody on a reality TV show, they want to make their mark on it."

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