Strictly’s Amy Dowden delights followers as she makes a shock return to the dancefloor for the grand closing after being compelled to withdraw resulting from harm

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Strictly’s Amy Dowden delighted fans as she made a surprise return to the dancefloor for the grand final on Saturday night.

Eagle-eyed viewers spotted the Welsh pro, 34, make a dazzling appearance as the Strictly professionals kicked off the show with a performance to Dreamer by Livin’ Joy.

Amy looked sensational in a sparkly gold dress as she danced next to pal and fellow dancer Kai Widdrington, 29.

She had originally been partnered with JLS star JB Gill, but was forced to withdraw from the series due to injury. 

Professional dancer Lauren Oakley stepped in to partner JB, and together they made it all the way to the final. 

Fans were overjoyed to see Amy back on stage, even if just for a moment, as they took to X to share their thoughts.

Strictly’s Amy Dowden delighted fans as she made a surprise return to the dancefloor for the grand final on Saturday night

Eagle-eyed viewers spotted the Welsh pro, 34, making a dazzling appearance as the Strictly professionals kicked off the show with a performance to Dreamer by Livin’ Joy

They said: ‘Great to see Amy dancing,’

So amazing seeing Amy back on the dancefloor,’

‘Nice to see Amy dancing again with the professionals! But wow what an opening!’

‘Nice to see Amy,’

‘Great to see Amy in the professional dance,’ 

‘Yay Amy dancing at the final,’

Prior to the Saturday’s night show, Amy showed her support for the pair as she said: ‘Wishing these two all the luck in the world. Go dance your heart outs but most importantly enjoy every second and beat on that dance floor. 

‘I’m so proud of you @jbgill , I knew from day one you could go all the way! Your talent and kindness has shone through and I know how proud you’ve made your family! I’ll be there cheering you on! 

Amy looked sensational in a sparkly gold dress as she danced next to pal and fellow dancer Kai Widdrington , 29

Fans took to X to share their excitement at Amy’s return

Amy made a triumphant return to the ballroom following her cancer battle, before an early exit as a result of a foot injury (pictured with JB in September) 

Pro dancer Lauren Oakley stepped in to partner JB, and together they made it all the way to the final

It comes after Amy revealed in an emotional statement that she’s determined to ‘keep pushing’ on as she continues to recover from her injury 

Since stepping back from the 20th-anniversary series, Amy has been focusing on her recovery and mentioned that her doctors are optimistic she will be able to dance again by December

‘Thank you @laurenmayoakley for being so utterly brilliant and beautiful right @bbcstrictly final let’s go!’ 

Last week Amy revealed in an emotional statement that she’s determined to ‘keep pushing’ on as she continues to recover from her injury.

After undergoing treatment for stage 3 breast last year, Amy was unable to participate in the show as she recovered from chemotherapy.

Revealing she’s now focused on her recovery, Amy said in her statement: ‘One year on and I’m determined to keep pushing this next year!’

‘Thank you to everyone who messaged this past week, it truly means everything! I’d be lying if I said I’m ok, but I know I will be and I’m lucky to have so many loved ones around me! 2025 sounds like an even better year ay.’

Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Who are the couples?

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell 

JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE 

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk 

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer 

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał

Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin 

Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola 

Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones 

Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez 

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones 

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec 

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas 

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe 

Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova 

Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu