Amy Dowden breaks silence on BBC Strictly bullying scandal as she makes feelings clear on probe
Amy Dowden has had her say on the ongoing BBC Strictly investigation
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Professional dancer Amy Dowden, 34, has publicly addressed the ongoing saga engulfing Strictly Come Dancing for the first time.
The Welsh dancer had to temporarily step back from dancing duties last year after being diagnosed with breast cancer but was confirmed to be returning in 2024 for the BBC show's 20th-anniversary.
However, the series in which Dowden recovered at home has faced a series of allegations after complaints were lodged against a handful of the show's pro dancers.
Amanda Abbington issued complaints about Giovanni Pernice's conduct on the show, branding his behaviour "threatening and abusive" - the 33-year-old has denied all claims.
And footage from Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima's rehearsals reportedly showed him "kicking" the former Love Island star - he and Pernice have both been booted from the competition.
While Dowden has returned, it's safe to say the celebrations that should come with a 20th-anniversary have been overshadowed somewhat by the saga.
Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell have returned to BBC Strictly rehearsals
PA
The decision to delay the publication of its findings has created further discontent among fans who've slammed the fact the 2024 line-up was announced before the Beeb concluded.
Both McDermott and Abbington have spoken about the saga and issued further claims about Di Prima and Pernice, respectively, with the latter even alleging there was an incident of "humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature" and that Pernice was "blocking" the release of rehearsal footage.
And with the investigation's conclusion still under wraps for now, reports have claimed Abbington has grown tired of "highly offensive" questioning during the probes.
Despite the circus that has unravelled around the show, Dowden has defiantly waded into the discussion to say she's very much focussing on her own return and ignoring the outside noise.
Amanda Abbington had danced with Giovanni Pernice in StrictlyBBC"When you’ve been through what I’ve been through, you realise what’s important and what to focus on," she said.
"I’m back on the show I grew up watching, in its 20th year. And for my family too, after the last year, it’s a great gift for them."
Dowden added to Radio Times: "I don’t get caught up in the press and media, I just focus on the present and concentrate on my steps.
"It’s everything. I saw the wardrobe people today and I was buzzing. It’s like my first year again!
"I want to give hope to other people who’ve gone through something, and show them that I’ve come through the other side and I’m back doing what I love.
"I’m super grateful. I’m going to have a smile on my face the whole time."
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Dowden's celebrity partner for 2024 remains a mystery for now ahead of next month's launch show.
There are nine male celebs for Dowden to be paired with - a fact that has sparked a row among viewers for the imbalance of genders in the line-up.
But the BBC has defended the fact only six female stars are taking part this year, telling Metro.co.uk: "We are really excited about this year’s line-up and look forward to the series starting.
"There are many factors that influence the casting process to ensure we have a good mix of celebrities from a broad range of backgrounds. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the gender split on the show and it’s never been about ticking boxes."