Amy Dowden's heartwarming gesture from Strictly judge as she lifts the lid on friendship

Strictly's Amy Dowden has revealed Shirley Ballas' heartwarming gesture, as she returns to the show following her cancer treatment last year. The 35-year-old professional dancer was forced to leave the BBC dance competition after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.

She shared her journey on social media with her fans, and thankfully announced in February 2024 that she had 'no evidence of the disease' after her treatment. In an Instagram story post today, she told her fans about how Shirley had supported her throughout her chemotherapy, giving a sweet insight into their friendship.

Speaking to the camera, the Welsh star said: "I know what I'm doing with my Friday night! Look what I just got, Shirley’s book - Best Foot Forward.

READ MORE: Thomas Skinner makes huge lifestyle change as he gets ready for Strictly live show

READ MORE: Amber Davies' life off screen - Strictly connections, acting gigs and famous boyfriend

"And she's written me the most beautiful, beautiful little note. She even says that she’s mentioned me in her book… oh my gosh, what an honour. Thank you Shirley."

Amy went on to reveal how judge Shirley kept her going throughout her cancer treatment. She explained: "Actually Shirley used to write me handwritten letters when I was having chemotherapy and they would just make me smile.

"Stories about her mum Audrey and it meant so much. Thank you Shirley for sending me your book, I know what I'm gonna be doing tonight."

The star went on to explain how she spends Friday nights before the live Strictly shows, telling fans: "Because on Friday nights before the show, it’s really hard actually as well to sleep or to switch off or to focus. So this is gonna be brilliant thank you Shirley."

Amy added: "Anyway guys, make sure you tune in tomorrow. Everyone looks amazing and I'm so, so excited!"

Partnered up with Amy is Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner, but the pairing hasn't been without its controversy. When he signed up to the show, he ruffled feathers among viewers, with many thinking he wasn't a right fit for the family-friendly BBC show due to his outspoken nature and Twitter rants.

He started on the wrong foot earlier this month at the press launch for the show when he snatched a reporters phone and stormed off. It was later revealed he had cheated on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding.

Last Saturday, he was paired with beloved professional dancer Amy Dowden, much to the dismay of many fans. Following backlash over his signing, Thomas raged: "Now I see people are fumin' that I'm on Strictly.... and the funny thing is that the majority of them got ‘be kind’ wrote in their bios.

"You couldn't make it up. Let me tell you this. I won't be cancelled. I ain't gonna kill myself like some of you want. I'm still here. I'm still standin. Trust me when I say this; I am stronger than people think. Every insult, every lie, every attack....it don't break me, it builds me stronger.”

The BBC show was thrown into further chaos earlier this week when it was revealed Love Island star Dani Dyer was forced to pull out following an injury.

Addressing fans, she said: "I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.

"Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable, and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so I’ve had to pull out of the show. To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita, but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on."

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads .

READ MORE: Matalan shoppers are rushing to get a 'cosy' cardigan for free with little known offer