08 October 2023 , 21:01
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Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas has opened up about her beloved mum's health as she spoke about the letters she's been sending to Amy Dowden while the pro dancer undergoes chemotherapy treatment.
Earlier this year, Amy was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, meaning that she was forced to pull out of the show. Despite the struggles she's faced, Amy has shown incredible strength and on Saturday evening appeared on the BBC show for the first time as she was supported by her proud co-stars.
Speaking about Amy, Shirley told the Mirror on the Pride of Britain red carpet: "She was a student of mine for many years. I talk to her a lot, all the time and I thought she was very, very brave. She was going to wear a wig and then she decided not to for cancer awareness month, and that took courage and we know what kind of courage that took for her and I thought she looked beautiful. Her dress was beautiful, the face, make-up - with or without hair that girl is a superstar. And I know her fight having known her as a little girl and she will be back on that show by next year."
Amy Dowden appeared on the Pride of Britain red carpet (Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Shirley Ballas spoke about how proud she was of Amy (Daily Mirror)Shirley speaks to Amy a lot, and revealed that she keeps her updated on everything including on her mum's health. "I do, I send her flowers and notes and letters and tell her what's been going on. My mum just had shingles, so I was sharing that. She has Crohns and my niece has Crohns, so it's difficult."
Shirley went on to speak about her most shocked moment of the series so far, saying: "It was Bobby's Samba - that was unexpected! I had him pegged as a ballroom dancer because of his long neck and arms and I think when he came and stood and [was like], 'I'm a 10 dancer here'. I thought everybody danced well yesterday. It was hard to see someone go home.And I always think this bottom two is always unpredictable because people are always going to be surprised."
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