BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'emotional' as Amy Dowden makes comeback

Strictly: Vito and Sarah talk to Claudia as Amy Dowden gets hugged

Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden made a return to the show after she had to bow out of the glittering competition earlier this month.

The beloved BBC dance extravaganza made a dazzling return, with the hopeful pairs pulling out all the stops in their quest to dazzle their way into Musicals Week.

JB, now stepping out with Lauren Oakley, was initially paired with Welsh whirlwind Amy Dowden, who had to be whisked away to hospital post-performance as a "precaution" due to feeling under the weather.

Sadly, her stint on the show was cut short, as she disclosed on the companion programme It Takes Two that an "insufficiency stress fracture" had put paid to her dancing dreams for the season.

Yet, in a heartwarming twist during tonight's episode, while Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola eagerly anticipated their scores, eagle-eyed viewers were thrilled to spot the 34 year old pro mingling with fellow stars and dancers, including Nikita Kuzmin, who was seen warmly embracing her.

Strictly Come Dancing fans react as Amy Dowden makes show return (Image: BBC)

Strictly's JB Gills was originally partnered up with Amy Dowden. (Image: BBC)

Over on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, one viewer gushed: "OMG, I've only just realised that Amy is there. It makes me so emotional.

Another shared with a tearful emoji: "Nikita hugging Amy", with someone else noting: "I love that Carlos is always right next to Amy, silently supporting", while another excitedly pointed out: "Hang on... Amy is there!!!"

In tonight's competitive twist, the contestants threw themselves into a Samba-thon, with all couples hitting the floor simultaneously, allowing the judges to scrutinise their Samba moves side by side.

To the immense joy of Amy's ex-partner, JB, he emerged triumphant tonight, securing the top spot with the highest score.

One enthusiast thus gushed on social media: "JB and Lauren winning the Sambathon fills my heart with pride! Amy must be beaming with pride! This wins for you, queen!"

Strictly's Amy Dowden spotted in the background alongside dancer Nikita Kuzmin. (Image: BBC) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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In the previous weekend's extravaganza at the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom, contestants put forth their most opulent performances to date.

While several contestants enchanted the audience with their spellbinding dances, a few didn't quite manage to capture the judges' approval in what is a hallmark week of the BBC contest.

During the evening, JLS's JB executed a flawless Quickstep to Rick Astley's iconic track Never Gonna Give You Up, while EastEnders' Jamie Borthwick made a memorable entrance atop a giant ketchup bottle performing a Jive to The Ketchup Song, and Towies Pete Wicks turned up the heat with a sizzling Cha Cha to I'm Too Sexy.

But it was Love Islands Tasha Ghouri who scored a joint high that night with her powerful Paso Doble to Nathan Lanier's Torn, achieving an impressive 39 points, matching the score of actress Sarah Hadland who performed her Couple's Choice dance to Padam Padam.

Strictly Come Dancing continues every Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'emotional' as Amy Dowden makes comeback

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'emotional' as Amy Dowden makes comeback

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'emotional' as Amy Dowden makes comeback

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'emotional' as Amy Dowden makes comeback

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'emotional' as Amy Dowden makes comeback