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Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden returned to her hometown to unveil a new bronze sculpture as part of a major park upgrade.

The professional dancer, from Caerphilly, joined artist Sebastien Boyesen to officially reveal the new town relief map at Dafydd Williams Park.

The bronze town centre map features miniature figures representing famous cultural and historical figures from the area, including entertainer Tommy Cooper, Wales football icon Aaron Ramsey, and Amy herself.

The unveiling marks the completion of months of regeneration work at the park, which has been upgraded with new play equipment, seating areas, street lighting, and art installations.

The revamp was unveiled on Saturday July 11, and included a performance from students at Ystrad Mynach’s Shappelle’s dance school – which Amy attended as a child.

Speaking before the unveiling, Amy said: “I love coming home to Caerphilly, and what a lovely welcome home this will be. I feel honoured to be included in the town relief map alongside other cultural and historical figures like Aaron Ramsey and Tommy Cooper.” 

“I often visited Dafydd Williams Park as a little girl, and I can’t wait to see the work that has gone into ensuring it remains a focal point of the town for generations to come. Caerphilly will always hold such a special place in my heart.”

The artist behind the map, Sebastien Boyesen, is also responsible for the ‘Guardian’ miners’ memorial sculpture in Abertillery.

The work at Dafydd Williams Park was funded through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and Caerphilly County Borough Council, following public consultation under the Caerphilly 2035 regeneration plan.

Alongside the unveiling at Dafydd Williams Park was the launch of Made in Caerfilli’s Trail of Tales – a virtual town tour using characters from Caerphilly’s past and present as stops on the trail. Shop windows are dressed to represent the town’s famous characters, with Amy’s face presented on florist Nicola Downie’s shop. 

Nicola said: “I’m so honoured to be a part of Caerfilli’s Trail of Tales, it is such a brilliant way to celebrate not only Caerphilly and what we have to offer, but also to improve the look and feel of the town for our regulars and visitors.”

Nicola, who is a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing, added: “When I found out Amy Dowden was one of the characters involved, I just knew her face had to be on my shop. I’ve planned a special floral arrangement to welcome Amy back home.”

Council deputy leader Shayne Cook, who attended the unveiling, said: “The public open space is a great addition with new seating and a wooden activity area for children. Special thanks go to Amy for attending – she continues to be a great ambassador for Caerphilly.”