Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final: Amy Dowden has fans sobbing

Dowden has been a professional dancer on the show since 2017 but has been forced to sit out the 2023 series of Strictly due to a battle with cancer. 

Dowden announced in June that she had undergone a mastectomy after discovering she had stage three breast cancer just weeks before.

Since then she has been undergoing treatment including chemotherapy.

Amy Dowden has been a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing since 2017. (Image: BBC)

In November however, Dowden rang the chemotherapy bell signalling her last round of treatment for stage three breast cancer.

Amy Dowden makes appearance in opening dance of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final

The Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final kicked off on Saturday (December 16) night with a dance by the professionals, who were eventually joined by the three finalists - Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams.

Dowden was among the professional dancers taking part, the first time she has appeared on the Strictly dance floor in 2023.

The live audience could be heard going wild every time the spotlight shone on Dowden as she completed the dance with a massive smile on her face, clearly excited the be back.

Amy Dowden has not been on Strictly Come Dancing 2023 due to a battle with cancer. (Image: BBC)

Social media erupted following Dowden's appearance on the Strictly Come Dancing final. 

One person on X (formerly Twitter) said: "That Amy Dowden reveal was a MOMENT."

Another person added: "amy dowden, the woman that you are. i am sobbing. seeing her on stage, dancing with the other pro’s again was everything. one of the bravest, strongest, most beautiful human."

While a third person commented: "Amy Dowden back on the Strictly dance floor (three heart emojis) I'm Not Crying You're Crying."