Strictly fans in tears as show dedicates opening dance to Amy Dowden amid cancer treatment
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were very moved as the first dance of the series – featuring the four famous judges – was dedicated to Amy Dowden.
Pro dancer Amy, 33, is undergoing treatment after she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May.
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman sent their well wishes to the star as the stars performed a dance in honour of their “Welsh dragon”.
Tess Daly said: “We are of course missing one of our professional dancers, our gorgeous Amy Dowden is unwell and she can’t be with us for the start of the series.
“She’s our Welsh dragon and we know she’ll be back soon.”
While Claudia said: “Amy, from your entire Strictly family we are sending all our love and we can’t wait to have you back on the dancefloor.”
The group number saw judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke perform along with the professionals to a medley of songs including Afraid To Feel from LF System, Kylie’s Padam Padam and Higher from Michael Buble.
Those watching at home took to Twitter to discuss the touching moment, with one person writing: “#Strictly aww yes sending so much love to amy! Bless her.”
A second said: “A bit emotional with that shoutout for Amy.”
While a third shared a series of crying emojis and added: “They’re doing a dance tribute for Amy.”
Just yesterday Amy shared an update after undergoing her latest round of chemotherapy, which left her severely sick.
She told her followers: “Chemo 4 Was extremely sick even with three types of anti sickness. Very tired too. Going to be resting up.”
Amy took to Instagram tonight and shared a picture from when she joined the team for their group photoshoot.
She wrote: “My smile the other week after being with the Strictly family, the entire tea,.
“So grateful and lucky to have you all. Tune in tonight.
“Can’t wait to support all my friend and their fabulous journeys this year and I’ll be there when I can.”