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Strictly come dancing Star Amy Dowden has shared an emotional tribute to her husband, to mark a milestone in their relationship.
The 33-year-old Welsh professional dancer, who was recently awarded an MBE for her candour about her struggles with Crohn's disease, has been recovering from stage three breast cancer and was given the all clear in February this year.
Dowden married her partner and fellow professional dancer Ben Jones in 2022. However, the day before the couple were set to leave for their honeymoon in April 2023, the star discovered a lump in her breast.
“Happy 2nd anniversary! I think it’s fair to say we’ve been through a lot in our married life,” Dowden wrote in the caption of a photo of the two on their wedding day.
“But I will be forever grateful to you! Thank you for this past year! I know it was really hard for you to watch at times, but you stayed positive, kept the house clean and infection-free, and tried to keep me as positive as possible. I love you even more! Hopefully next year will be a smoother one!”
The couple were once British National Latin Dance Champions and were the first all-British couple to win the competition.
“But what I do know is that we have each other,” the star continued. “More adventures, my crazy last-minute plans, house renovations, fun at dance school, and basically just being ourselves! I love you always, your Amy.”
Strictly come dancing She also confirmed that the dancer would be returning to the show for the 2024 season after announcing her cast of professional dancers last month. The announcement was overshadowed by the scandal, but was positive news for fans following Dowden's journey.
Dowden will be returning to the show after an extended absence due to being too ill to compete on last season's show while undergoing cancer treatment.
“I’m so happy,” she wrote. “The best team on and off the dance floor. I feel blessed and more excited than ever. Let the party begin!”
Professional dancer Vito Coppola, who will also be dancing in this year's competition, wrote on Instagram about how much he loves Strictly The cast had “missed” Dowden in the previous season.
“Beautiful Amy, we are so happy to have you back. We have missed you. Get ready because I am going to lift you up high,” he said. “We love you and I am sure I can speak for all of us when I say it was not the same without you.”