Who is Amy Dowden, Strictly Come Dancing 2021 professional dancer?

WELSH beauty Amy Dowden has become a much-loved presence on Strictly Come Dancing.

Now the dancer is returning to our screens for the 2021 series which kicks off tonight.

Amy Dowden is a Strictly professional dancerBBC

Who is Amy Dowden?

31-year-old Amy grew up in Caerphilly, South Wales, and started dancing at the age of eight.

She is now based in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, with English dancing partner, and fiance, Ben Jones, who is from Sandwell.

Amy, whose favourite dance is the rumba, loves to swim – and normally returns to Wales to see her family when relaxing after a competition.

When she’s not competing as a professional dancer, Amy teaches Zumba locally to community groups and school children.

Amy is partnered with JJ Chalmers for Strictly 2020BBC

Who is Amy Dowden’s Strictly 2021 partner?

Strictly Come Dancing’s latest celebrities will be paired with their professional partners during the launch show on tonight.

The 15 celebrities, who include Olympian Adam Peaty, rugby star Ugo Monye and TV presenter Judi Love, will make their debut on the dancefloor during a group number in tonight’s launch show at 7.45pm.

Also competing will be EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, TV presenter AJ Odudu, Dragons’ Den investor Sara Davies, McFly star Tom Fletcher, Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn, TV presenter Tilly Ramsay, comedian Robert Webb, CBBC host Rhys Stephenson and actor Greg Wise.

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis will be the first deaf contestant to appear in the series.

In 2020, Amy was partnered with Invictus Games gold medallist JJ Chalmers.

Amy was partnered with Karim Zeroual in 2019.

Amy returns to Strictly 2021 tonight

What’s happened to Amy Dowden so far on Strictly?

Amy made her debut on the show in 2017 with partner Brian Conley.

They finished in 12th place.

She had more success in 2018 when partnered with Danny John-Jules, when they place ninth.

In 2019 Amy made the final with Karim – her personal best on Strictly.

In 2020, Amy was left in tears as JJ Chalmers made an emotional speech about her Crohn’s battle as they exited the show last year.

The couple were voted off after finding themselves in the dance off against Jamie Laing and his partner Karen Hauer.

JJ said of Amy: “She’s lived through so much in her own right in fairness and I know that any day she can wake up and she could be hospitalised essentially so she lives fearing she’ll let people down.

“But the way you’ve built me up, you could never let me down.”

Amy grew tearful, and when asked if she had any words for JJ, she said: “Aww JJ it has been an absolute honour to be your partner and most importantly friend, throughout your Strictly experience.

“He is, and everybody would agree, one of the world’s most truest gentlemen.”

What has Amy Dowden achieved as a professional dancer?

Amy and dance partner Ben are British National Champions.

She is also one of the highest-ranking Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers in the UK.

Amy is a four-time British National Finalist and reached the semi-final of the World Championship in 2015.

What time is Strictly Come Dancing 2021 on?

The Strictly live shows return tonight (September 18, 2021)

You can catch it from 7.45pm on BBC One.

You can watch any episodes you miss on the BBC iPlayer.