Amy Dowden is set to make her Strictly Come Dancing return after withdrawing halfway through the 2024 edition of the BBC series.
Dowden, who hails from Caerphilly in south Wales, returned to Strictly in 2024 after missing the 2023 series due to breast cancer, partnered up this year with JLS singer JB Gill.
The Strictly final took place on Saturday (December 14) night with comedian Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne Buswell named winners of the 2024 series (also the 20th anniversary edition).
Gill featured in Saturday night’s final but alongside Lauren Oakley, rather than Dowden.
This is because the Welsh professional dancer was forced to pull out mid-way through the series due to a foot injury.
Announcing the news back in early November, a Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year.
“Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow Professional Dancer, Lauren Oakley, will step in as JB’s dance partner.
“The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”
Amy Dowden to make Strictly Come Dancing return
Having missed the second half of Strictly 2024, Dowden is now set to make a return via the Live UK Tour which is set to take place across various venues in January and February 2025.
She and Oakley will both dance with Gill throughout the 30-show tour.
The trio will feature alongside the likes of Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec; Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola; and Wynne Evans and Katya Jones on the live tour.
Is your favourite couple from Strictly Come Dancing 2024 taking part in the Live Tour in 2025? (Image: BBC/Strictly Come Dancing) Strictly – It Takes Two’s Janette Manrara, who will once again take on the role of host on the tour, said: “Wow – what an incredible line-up of couples we have on the tour next year!
“Arena audiences around the country are in for a real treat. It’s going to be a blast to be back with all the pros and, as an extra special treat, it will be a joy to welcome back the lovelyAmy Dowden.
“Get ready for an evening of pure Strictly entertainment for the whole family – bigger and better than ever before!”
Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour 2025 lineup
The full list of couples taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour in 2025 are:
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Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
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Montelle Douglas and Kai Widdrington
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Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
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Tasha Ghouri and Aliaz Skorjanec
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JB Gill and Amy Dowden/Lauren Oakley
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Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
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Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
They will be joined on tour by professional dancers:
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Dianne Buswell
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Karen Hauer
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Neil Jones
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Nikita Kuzmin
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Jowita Przystal
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Robbie Kmetoni
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Jake Leigh
Strictly TV judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and fir the first time, Motsi Mabuse will also be a part of the tour.
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Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour 2025 dates
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Birmingham Utilita Arena – January 17 to 19
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Sheffield Utilita Arena – January 21
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Newcastle Utilita Arena – January 22 and 23
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Glasgow OVO Hydro – January 24 to 26
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Liverpool M&S Bank Arena – Januray 28 and 29
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Leeds First Direct Arena – January 30 and 31
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Manchester AO Arena – February 1 and 2
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Nottingham Motorpoint Arena – February 4 to 6
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London O2 Arena – February 7 to 9
To buy tickets to any of the Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour 2025 shows visit the Ticketmaster website (a link to which can be found above).