star has thrown her support behind her showbiz family, as the new series kicked off in her honour.
The pro dancer, 33, will not be paired up with after it was revealed earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with stage 3Â .
She’s since undergone a single mastectomy and is now having chemotherapy after  which has also forced her out of Strictly 2023.
However, she’s previously while fans have been showering her in support.
And they’re not the only ones, as the new series kicked off with a dance in honour of the Strictly family’s ‘Welsh dragon’.
Host Tess Daly said: ‘We are of course missing one of our professional dancers, our gorgeous Amy Dowden is unwell and she can’t be with us for the start of the series.
‘She’s our Welsh dragon and we know she’ll be back soon.’
While Claudia Winkleman said: ‘Amy, from your entire Strictly family we are sending all our love and we can’t wait to have you back on the dancefloor.’
The group number saw judges , Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke perform along with the professionals to a medley of songs including Afraid To Feel from LF System, Kylie’s Padam Padam and Higher from Michael Buble.
Meanwhile, Amy posted a message in support on her own socials.
She wrote: ‘My smile the other week after being with the Strictly family, the entire team.
‘So grateful and lucky to have you all. Tune in tonight.
‘Can’t wait to support all my friends and their fabulous journeys this year and I’ll be there when I can.’
This comes after Amy reunited with her Strictly family, and was given a standing ovation by fans.
who organised the photo shoot, said: ‘It was an emotional moment – tears were shed – and when she finally stepped back onto the floor, the watching audience of die-hard Strictly fans treated her to a spontaneous standing ovation’.
Amy credits the BBC series for being a ‘tonic’ during her ongoing cancer treatment.
‘I don’t think, actually, I could get through the next few months without Strictly,’ she stated.
‘I’ll be part of the show in different areas. It’s the tonic that I need at the moment.
‘There are so many ways to be involved, and they’re going to be guided by me. I’m just really grateful for them keeping me involved, and giving me the support and encouragement I need.’
Amy was also honoured by the Strictly team atÂ
‘It’s extra special because we are joined by the fabulous Amy Dowden on stage who looks absolutely incredible,’ Fleur East, 35, told the crowd who cheered in agreement.
‘We love you Am, honestly,’ added radio DJ Tyler West, 27.
Strictly Come Dancing begins on September 16 on BBC One at 6:35pm.
