Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden shared her thoughts on two major changes to this year's series as she prepares to return11:43, 16 Jun 2026Updated 11:43, 16 Jun 2026Strictly Come Dancing favourite Amy Dowden has opened up about a "sad" shake-up to the BBC programme as it prepares to return later this year. The 35-year-old professional dancer is confirmed to grace the ballroom floor once more when the fresh series kicks off.‌Looking towards the 2026 season, the BBC has unveiled new changes which includes five professional dancers bidding farewell to the show; Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.‌Marking another historic shift, the programme will welcome a brand new presenting trio for the first time in 11 years, as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take the reins following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exits.‌Discussing the changes with Woman Magazine, Amy confessed that parting ways with some of her fellow performers had been emotionally challenging."It's so sad to see some of your Strictly family move on," she revealed to the publication. "That's never easy. It's a difficult one, isn't it, but I've seen the joy Strictly brings to people going through hard times."‌Drawing on her own journey after her 2023 breast cancer diagnosis, she added: "When I was on the chemo ward, the buzz that the show brings, it made me so proud to be part of that experience, that's what the show does, it brings escapism."Amy had previously feared her dancing days were behind her after receiving a stage three breast cancer diagnosis. Having undergone gruelling chemotherapy and two mastectomies, the professional dancer has since declared she is feeling "fitter and stronger than ever".Amy will make her triumphant return to the ballroom alongside fellow professionals including; Julian Caillon, Neil Jones, Katya Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola.‌The iconic judging panel also remains intact, with Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke all set to reprise their roles.Since joining the programme in 2017, Amy has partnered with a host of well-known faces, including Brian Conley, Danny John-Jules and Karim Zeroual. With the latter, she came close to claiming the coveted Glitterball trophy in 2019, only to be beaten by Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse.‌Having been paired with Thomas Skinner and eliminated in the first week last series, Amy will be eager to go the distance this time around.Prior to her confirmation for this year's series, she expressed her desire to reach Blackpool as a personal statement that she "is back", after enduring such a challenging period in her life.Three celebrities have so far been unveiled for the forthcoming series; EastEnders star Lacey Turner, Love Island champion Dani Dyer and acclaimed singer Delta Goodrem.Article continues belowThe most recent name being linked to the show is cyclist Dame Sarah Storey, a multiple Paralympic gold medallist, though this remains unconfirmed at present.