Amy Dowden, the beloved professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing, is set to make a remarkable return to the show’s live tour after a challenging year that saw her face both breast cancer treatment and an injury. The 34-year-old Welsh dancer will join the Strictly live tour, scheduled to begin in January 2024, bringing her energy, passion, and resilience back to the stage.
In November 2023, Dowden had to withdraw from the Strictly competition due to an injury. She was heartbroken to announce her exit from the show due to an “insufficiency stress fracture” on her shin. Despite the physical setback, Dowden’s health and spirit remain strong, and she is eager to take part in the upcoming tour, marking her return to the Strictly family. Dowden’s dedication to her craft, even after facing serious health challenges, has inspired many and underscores her determination to continue dancing.
Supporting Her Partner JB Gill on Tour
During the Strictly Come Dancing tour, Dowden will be performing alongside her celebrity partner from the 2023 season, JB Gill. The former JLS member and Dowden have built a strong rapport on the show, and their chemistry on stage has been one of the highlights of the season. In a surprising twist, Dowden’s replacement on the show, professional dancer Lauren Oakley, will also be part of the live tour, dancing alongside Gill. This arrangement brings both excitement and anticipation to the tour as fans will get to see two different professional dancers paired with the same celebrity.
The 2024 Strictly Live Tour Lineup
The upcoming Strictly Come Dancing live tour will feature an exciting lineup of celebrity and professional dancers, including several finalists from the 2024 season. Among the couples to grace the stage are Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, as well as actress Sarah Hadland and dancer Vito Coppola, who made it to the final in 2024. Other notable stars include singer and actor Shayne Ward, who will be paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, who will dance with Michelle Tsiakkas. The tour will also showcase Olympian Montell Douglas dancing with Kai Widdrington and opera singer Wynne Evans with Katya Jones.
This year’s winner, comedian Chris McCausland, who made history as the first blind contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, will not be part of the tour due to scheduling conflicts with his stand-up comedy commitments. Despite his absence, the tour promises to bring thrilling performances from the remaining cast and guest appearances from some of the show’s most beloved dancers.
Tour Dates and Locations
The Strictly Come Dancing live tour will kick off on January 17, 2024, at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena and will travel to major cities across the UK, including Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, and Nottingham. The tour will culminate with a grand finale at London’s O2 Arena on February 9, 2024. Fans can expect to see electrifying dance performances, breathtaking choreography, and the undeniable chemistry between the celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners.
Judges and Hosts for the Live Tour
The live tour will be judged by the familiar faces of Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood. For the first time on tour, Motsi Mabuse will also join the judging panel, bringing her expertise and energy to the live shows. The tour will be hosted by It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara, who has expressed her excitement about the incredible lineup of dancers and the energy the tour will bring to audiences across the UK.
Manrara said, “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 fans’ enthusiasm is equally high, as they are eager to witness the performances of their favorite dancers, especially Dowden’s inspiring return to the stage.
Amy Dowden’s Health Journey and Resilience
Dowden’s return to the Strictly Come Dancing stage is a testament to her remarkable resilience after facing a life-changing health journey. Earlier in 2023, Dowden revealed that she had been diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer and was undergoing treatment, which included chemotherapy and a mastectomy. The diagnosis shocked many, but Dowden’s strength and determination to continue her career were evident as she navigated her recovery process. In February 2023, Dowden announced that tests had shown no evidence of disease, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward full recovery.
Her story has inspired many, both within the Strictly community and beyond, and her return to the tour is a celebration of her courage and passion for dancing. Dowden’s dedication to her craft, her fans, and her colleagues remains unwavering, and her involvement in the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing live tour is sure to be one of the highlights of the season.
