Amy Dowden surprised the cast of Strictly Come Dancing on the first day of rehearsals as she prepares to take the “next step” in her cancer journey.
The professional dancer, 32, announced last month that she had undergone a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery after she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.
The blonde bombshell fist discovered a lump in her right breast just days before jetting off on her honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones.
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While she hoped to return to the glamorous ballroom later this year, the Welsh beauty has since been diagnosed with a second type of cancer which she described as a “massive blow” and means she is unable to compete later this year.
(Image: Instagram/amy_dowden)
But that hasn’t stopped the dancer from supporting her co-stars after she paid a surprise visit to the dance studios on Monday (July 24) for the first day of rehearsals.
Taking to Instagram, the TV star shared an adorable snap of herself with the entire group of professional dancers including Giovanni Pernice, Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer.
Amy, who has been on the show since 2017, captioned the touching post: “I surprised the gang! Just what I needed! Seeing the @bbcstrictly family!
“Going to be an amazing series and I can’t wait to watch you all shine and be with you all when I can!”
(Image: amy_dowden/Instagram)
Taking to her Instagram Story, Amy shared her thoughts on the memorable moment which left her with “happy tears” in the car.
She told her loyal legion of fans how emotional it was to be reunited with everyone, stating: “I had happy tears to see them all.
“I got to watch some of the dancing and catch up with them all. It’s definitely helped cheer me up because I really wanted to see them all and the next step of my journey begins tomorrow.
“I just needed to see my Strictly family beforehand and I will be back with them as soon as I possibly can be. Thank you to the whole Strictly team for going beyond to make me feel part of it. I’m so grateful. It was lovely to see my talented friends.”
(Image: amy_dowden/Instagram)
But that wasn’t the only Strictly star she reunited with after the pro dancer reunited with her celebrity partner Tom Fletcher and his wife Giovanna just hours later.
Alongside a series of sweet selfies, she captioned the touching post: “Followed by the Fletcher house hold love! Chats, tea, biscuits, chickens, hide and seek and a rrrrrrrreally good catch up which was soooooo needed!
“Thank you @tomfletcher @rsgifletcher [heart emoji] Had the perfect day ahead of the next journey which begins tomorrow. Thank you so much [heart emoji, bow emoji].”
As she headed home after a day filled with love, fans flocked to the comments to pass on their words of praise and strength online.
(Image: Amy Dowden Instagram)
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One user penned: “Good luck for everything Amy, you’ve got the support of the nation behind you” as another agreed: “Good Luck Amy you got this we’re all rooting for you, take care.”
A third echoed: “Keep smiling and stay strong! Sending positive thoughts and loads of Welsh love” as a fouth agreed: “Good luck for tomorrow and beyond @amy_dowden.”
Meanwhile a fifth penned: “Sending lots of love and positivity, beautiful Amy. You’ll win this toughest competition with grace, determination and style. Much love.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
