16 September 2023 , 18:29
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Strictly Come Dancing's 2023 launch saw the show pay tribute to fan favourite Amy Dowden with a special mention on Saturday night, after she had to miss the latest series.
As the new series launched on Saturday night with the pairing episode, viewers were introduced to the celebrities for the first time. The professional dancers also pulled off an incredible routine ahead of them performing each week with their chosen celeb.
But someone was noticeably missing this time around, following a sad diagnosis earlier this year. Amy revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in May. She had hoped to feature on the show but after treatment, she learned she had another type of cancer after more tests.
Amy recently updated fans on how her treatment was going, and on having to miss the series - something viewers were gutted by. The show favourite recently reunited with her fellow pros, for a special pre-recorded group dance with her featuring in the photoshoot.
Strictly Come Dancing's 2023 launch saw the show pay tribute to fan favourite Amy Dowden (REX)On Saturday night, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman paid tribute to Amy and dedicated a group dance to her, while sharing their hopes she might return to the show soon. Tess said: "We are of course missing one professional dancer, our gorgeous Amy is unwell and can't be with us for the start of the series. She is our Welsh dragon and we know she will be back soon.
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Claudia added: "Amy, from our entire Strictly family we are sending all our love and we can’t wait to have you back on the dance floor." As the performance including the judges and the pros was about to begin, Tess said: "This one is for you."
Viewers watching at home praised the moment with many sad not to see Amy take part in the series this year, as they showed their support. One viewer tweeted: "We're looking forward to seeing you on the dance floor again as soon as possible Amy," as another said: "A bit emotional with that shoutout for Amy." A third added: "They're doing a dance tribute for Amy."
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman paid tribute to Amy (BBC)The stars on the line-up this year include Zara McDermott, Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi and Angela Scanlon. Also competing are Adam Thomas, Nikita Kanda, Ellie Leach, Jody Cundy CBE, Bobby Brazier, Nigel Harman, Annabel Croft and Les Dennis.
Meanwhile, the pro dancers taking to the stage this year will be Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vita Coppola. Some of them will be performing solo routines and group performances only, while the rest are paired with a celebrity.
Strictly Come Dancing kicks off next Saturday and Sunday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.