Amy Dowden’s Strictly return earns standing ovation: “You’re home where you belong”

With Strictly Come Dancing premiering tonight (Saturday 21st September), it was always going to be quite the first episode as we see the contestants take to the dancefloor for the very first time. Well, it was also a night of major emotions as Strictly professional Amy Dowden returned to the series – and what a return it was. Taking to the floor with contestant JB Gill , the pair took on the Waltz to When I Need You by Leo Sayer and it was a performance that earned a standing ovation from the audience.

Showing some real promise for the series ahead, the judges were quick to praise JLS group member Gill but also, couldn't waste a second without welcoming Amy back into the Strictly family. Cutting Craig Revel Horwood off from delivering his typical negative feedback, Motsi Mabuse was quick to bestow the pair with praise and highlight that it's the first week after all. She then said: "Amy, so good to see you dancing again!" Lead judge Shirley Ballas was beaming as she looked at Amy and said: "Amy, you're home where you belong and I have to say, that choreography was absolutely outstanding.

" Turning to Gill, she added: "You Sir, are an absolute diamond and this is going to be an absolute epic partnership." With feedback so positive, the pair went back to Claudia Winkleman for the scores and reflecting on her own emotions of the night so far, Amy said: "I'm so happy, I could burst." Read more: Strictly Come Dancing's Sarah Hadland burst into tears trying on costume Paddy and Ch.