Professional dancer Amy Dowden has defended the latest lineup of BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing," asserting that the current cast of celebrities may be among the best dancers the show has ever seen. Her comments come in response to public criticism that has labeled this year's group the "worst" in the program's 22-year history.
Dowden emphasized that the fundamental elements of "Strictly Come Dancing" remain unchanged. "We need to remember the core of Strictly is not changing," she stated in an interview with the Daily Mail. "That competition, watching the celebrities learn to dance before every weekend, that's not changing and that's the heart and the reason why Strictly has been so successful for over the last two decades."
The new series, set to launch on September 19, features a lineup that includes former "Love Island" contestant Dani Dyer, footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, Australian singer and former "Neighbours" star Delta Goodrem, actress Jamie Winstone, and "EastEnders" star Lacey Turner. The inclusion of lesser-known personalities, such as YouTuber John Nellis, who has over 15.9 million subscribers, is reportedly an effort by show executives to attract a younger audience.
Despite the public's reaction, Dowden expressed optimism about the contestants' talent. "The celebrities are so lovely and they're so good," she said. "We're in for a good series, let me tell you. I think it's gonna be one that you can't call it, it's gonna be so tight and so tough."
This year marks a return to pre-COVID-19 format for the show's pairings. Professional dancers and celebrities will meet for the first time on the dancefloor during the launch show, a change from recent years where pairings were filmed in introductory video packages around the country. TV dog trainer Graeme Hall, a participant in the upcoming series, confirmed the change, noting that neither the celebrities nor the professional dancers will know their partners until the launch show.
The new series will begin with a pre-recorded launch show on September 19, followed by the first live show the subsequent week. Eliminations will commence after the second weekend of live performances and public votes, with the first couple expected to be eliminated on October 4. The series finale is scheduled for December 19, just days before Christmas.
Dowden, who missed the previous "Strictly" season due to her battle with breast cancer, is returning after undergoing chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and recovering from sepsis. She has been vocal about her personal journey and her connection to the show, which she credits with providing a vital source of light entertainment during difficult times. "When I was going through chemotherapy watching and seeing what it did to people on the oncology unit, it made me so proud to be part of that show for that light entertainment and that relief from life and our busy, stressful life and it's just a really lovely, light-hearted entertainment show that you can sit around and watch with the family," she shared.
The upcoming season will be hosted by Emma Willis, former professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe, taking over from long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Dowden, feeling strong and healthy in remission, expressed excitement about entering a "new chapter" both personally and with "Strictly."