Amy Dowden announces BBC Strictly Come Dancing return after being forced to quit series with JB Gill
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden is set to make a surprise return to the show in its upcoming arena tour, after being forced to withdraw from this year’s main series due to injury.
The Welsh dancer will partner with JLS star JB Gill for the 30-show spectacular, marking her eagerly anticipated comeback to the dance floor.
The announcement comes just weeks after Dowden had to pull out of the main competition due to a foot injury, leaving fans disappointed at her absence from the series.
In an unusual arrangement, Gill will share his performances between two professional partners throughout the tour.
The JLS member will dance with both Dowden and Lauren Oakley, who had previously stepped in when Dowden withdrew from the main series.
The unique partnership structure adds an exciting dimension to the arena tour, which will span 30 shows across the country.
The full line-up for the tour features an impressive array of dancing couples, including Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas, Montell Douglas and Kai Widdrington, and Wynne Evans with Katya Jones.
Additional pairings include Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, and Shayne Ward dancing with Nancy Xu.
The tour will also showcase performances from professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystal, plus Robbie Kmetoni and Jake Leigh.
The judging panel sees Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood return, with Motsi Mabuse making her tour debut.
It Takes Two host Janette Manrara expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour lineup, saying: “Wow – what an incredible line-up of couples we have on the tour next year! Arena audiences around the country are in for a real treat.”
She specifically welcomed Dowden’s return, adding: “It’s going to be a blast to be back with all the pros and, as an extra special treat, it will be a joy to welcome back the lovely Amy Dowden.”
The 2025 Strictly tour will kick off at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on January 17, before travelling across the UK, with dates including Glasgow from January 24-26.
Ahead of the final last weekend, Dowden penned a sweet tribute to Gill and Oakley which read: “Wishing these two all the luck in the world. Go dance your hearts out 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!
“Thank you @laurenmayoakley for being so utterly brilliant and beautiful. Right @bbcstrictly final let’s go!” (sic)
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Unfortunately, winner Chris McCausland will not be joining his partner Buswell on the trip as he already had prior commitments to the dates being set.
At the weekend, the comedian made Strictly history when he became the first blind contestant to win the series, dedicating his win to Buswell.
