STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were left in tears tonight as Amy Dowden made an emotional return to the dancefloor after her cancer battle.
After bravely battling breast cancer, the much-loved dancer stunned viewers as she waltzed across the floor in a pink gown.
Her return was a moment of pure joy for Strictly fans.
Many had eagerly awaited Amy's comeback after she skipped last year's series to concentrate on her treatment and tonight she didn’t disappoint.
Gliding across the stage with poise and strength, Amy’s performance was a heartfelt reminder of her resilience.
Amy danced with her professionals to a medley of tracks including Dua Lipa's Training Session and Jungle's Busy Earnin'.
She stood out from the group in symbolic pink, as she took centre stage in the performance with her Strictly pals.
Viewers took to social media to express their admiration and tears of joy.
One shared crying emojis and said: "Oh Amy! what a fabulous start to Strictly 2024!"
Another posted a video of a sobbing woman, writing: "Me watching Amy back on Strictly!"
"Amy Dowden… the QUEEN YOU ARE!!!! we love you so much," one more wrote.
Amy was later introduced to her celebrity partner, JLS star JB Gill, and she told him: "I have a feeling my comeback is going to be pretty strong now!"
Strictly host Claudia Winkleman welcomed Amy back to huge cheers from the studio audience.
She told her: "First of all, Amy, welcome back. We are so happy to see you here, how excited are you?"
Amy replied: "I am so delighted, it feels like my first year all over again. I want JB to have the best time and fall in love with dancing."
Amy’s return brought a much-needed emotional lift to the scandal-hit show.
The show, which has run for 20 series, has been hit by claims of abuse with two stars, Italians Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, at the centre on a three month investigation.
Amy was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year.
During that time, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, and nearly died from sepsis.
She was given the all clear earlier this year.
Strictly's Executive Producer, Sarah James said: "We are all so incredibly happy that Amy is back in the Strictly Ballroom.
"She will bring her sparkle, passion for dance, creative choreography and Welsh charm.
"Welcome back Amy, let’s make it the best year yet!"
Amy also took to Instagram to thank her co-stars and supporters.
The show favourite sent a special thanks to returning professional Aljaz Skorjanec who she danced with on the opening night.
She said: "Tonight I return to @bbcstrictly doing what I love most DANCING with these talented souls.
"A big thank you to the entire strictly family on and off the dance floor for all your support through everything and to @jasongilkison for choreographing this beautiful number for my return!
"@aljazskorjanec for partnering me and making me feel confident.
"It was so special as I had my husband and family in the audience.
"Their first time watching me dance again!
"So grateful to everyone and excited for the months ahead. #whatadifferenceayearmakes Tune in tonight for the fabulous strictly launch show 7.20pm bbc 1 #keepdancing -#backwhereibelong #strictlyfamily #dance #strictlycomedancing."
