Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell has said fellow pro Amy Dowden – who is currently battling cancer – will be back on the show “full time very soon.”
Dowden, 33, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer earlier this year and is therefore not taking part in the 2023 series.
In June, the dancer confirmed she had had a mastectomy, and is now undergoing chemotherapy after medics found the cancer had spread.
Dowden made a surprise appearance on Strictly this weekend, looking glamorous in a white gown to announce the terms and conditions.
Speaking on spin-off show It Takes Two alongside celebrity partner Bobby Braizer, Buswell, 34, said her close friend’s Strictly journey would resume before fans knew it.
“It was so exciting to have Amy back with us. It felt like Strictly just felt right again,” Buswell said.
“I text her so many times to say, ‘I really miss you here’, and to have her there was very, very special.”
The dancer continued: “She will be back with us full-time very soon, so I can’t wait for that moment.”
On Saturday, the Caerphilly-born dancer spoke to presenter Claudia Winkleman during week three’s show and said she was doing “really well”, revealing that she is “over halfway” through her chemotherapy treatment.
Co-host Claudia Winkleman said: “Now it is time for the terms and conditions and to read them is a very special member of our Strictly family.
“We have missed her so much and are delighted that she is well enough to be back with us tonight, please welcome the one and only Amy Dowden.”
The cast were cheering “Amy” following her surprise appearance.
Dowden said: “I’ve missed you all”, before adding: “I’m doing really well, I’m over halfway through treatment, through chemo, and I can’t wait to be back with you all permanently.”
Co-presenter Tess Daly said: “So lovely to see you Amy, we love you to bits.”
