BREAKING NEWS: Amy Dowden gives honest verdict on new Strictly Come Dancing hosts

Amy Dowden Gives Honest Verdict on Strictly’s New Hosts as She Returns Feeling ‘Healthy and Strong’

Amy Dowden has given her verdict on Strictly Come Dancing’s brand-new presenting team as she prepares to return to the BBC ballroom feeling stronger than she has in years.

The professional dancer will be back for the new series alongside hosts Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, who are taking over as part of the show’s major presenting shake-up.

Amy has already spent time with the trio in the studio and said the atmosphere has been overwhelmingly positive.

“[We’ve met] the new hosts in the studio – they’re lovely!” she told Express.co.uk.

“Obviously we know JoJo, he’s one of us, and I’m so proud of him.”

For Amy, the new series carries particular meaning after a difficult period that included a battle with breast cancer and other health challenges.

Now, however, she says she is entering the competition in a very different place.

“I am so excited, I’ve never felt so well in myself mentally and physically, healthy and strong,” she said.

“I just can’t wait to embrace every second, every beat on that dance floor.”

Amy Says Strictly’s Heart Has Not Changed

Despite the arrival of three new hosts and other changes behind the scenes, Amy insisted that the core of the programme remains exactly where it has always been.

“The competition is the heart of Strictly,” she said.

“At the end of the show everybody’s always talking about who the best dancers are, who is at risk, who has improved the most, and that isn’t changing.”

For Amy, her own priority remains helping her celebrity partner connect with dancing and enjoy the experience.

“For me it’s just about making my celebrity partner fall in love with dance, having the most incredible experience,” she said.

[CHÈN ẢNH: Amy Dowden tại Lingfield Park Ladies Day]

Amy spoke at Lingfield Park Ladies Day, where she was helping promote a hobby horse race involving Pink Lady apples and breast cancer charity CoppaFeel.

Her comments reflected how important Strictly has become to her personally as well as professionally.

‘Strictly Got Me Through the Toughest Times’

Amy said she remains deeply grateful to have been part of the programme through different eras of the show.

“I’m so proud to have been part of the show before and after the changes,” she said.

“As a fan of the show growing up, it’s still surreal that little old Amy from Caerphilly is the first and only ever Welsh professional dancer to be part of such an amazing show and family.”

She also spoke candidly about how much the programme supported her during some of the hardest periods of her life.

“That show got me through the hardest and toughest of times and I’m forever grateful to Strictly for that,” she said.

“I’m not sure where I would be right now without that show over the last few years, I really don’t.”

Amy also thanked executive producer Sarah James for standing by her.

[CHÈN ẢNH: Amy Dowden biểu diễn trên Strictly Come Dancing]

New Hosts Already Have Strong Connections to the Show

Amy also explained why each member of the new presenting trio already feels familiar.

Johannes is, of course, a longtime Strictly professional and someone Amy knows well.

Emma Willis also has an existing connection to Amy through her support of CoppaFeel and participation in charity treks.

Josh Widdicombe, meanwhile, previously appeared on the programme’s Christmas special.

“I know Emma, she’s done a lot for CoppaFeel charity, and a lot of treks,” Amy said.

“Josh did the Christmas special a few years ago.”

She added that all three are throwing themselves into the challenge.

“They’re just so excited, they’re embracing it and we’re all gearing up now for the series.”

[CHÈN ẢNH: Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis và Josh Widdicombe trong vai trò host mới của Strictly]

With Amy back feeling healthy, strong and excited to compete again, the new series represents both a fresh start for Strictly and an especially meaningful return for one of its most popular professionals.

For her, the hosts may be new, but the reason she loves the show has not changed.