A dancer from Caerphilly will be swirling in sequins on television later this year, after being selected as a professional dancer on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.
Amy Dowden is set to be one of three new professional dancers to pair up with a celebrity when Strictly returns for a 15th series in the autumn, becoming the first Welsh dancer in the process.
Amy will join Australian Dianne Buswell and Nadiya Bychkova, from Ukraine, in replacing reigning champion Joanne Clifton, Oksana Platero, and Natalie Lowe in the 17-strong professional dancer ranks.
The 26-year-old from Caerphilly began dancing at the age of eight, and is the current British National Champion and one of the highest-ranking Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers in the UK.
Amy is also a four-time British National Finalist and in 2015 reached the semi-final of the World Championship.
She said: “Becoming a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has made my wildest dreams come true, it does not feel real.
“I have always been proud of my Welsh roots and feel so honoured to be the first Welsh professional dancer on the most loved show on TV.”
Louise Rainbow, executive producer on Strictly Come Dancing, added: “We’re delighted with our line-up of pros for this year’s series. They are all brilliant dancers and wonderful teachers and Strictly is so lucky to have them.”
Well done to Amy, I dare say her decision to leave Caerphilly and move to Wolverhampton has greatly helped to further her career.