Smiling Amy Dowden joins co-stars at first Strictly rehearsal after surviving cull

Amy Dowden was ready for action as she was spotted making her way into the first Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals of the year.

After a huge shake-up left a string of Strictly favourites axed, five new professional dancers were unveiled over the weekend, replacing Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk.

In their places, fans will be watching Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita lead the star-studded line-up - including Lacey Turner and Love Island winner Cach Mercer - through some incredible routines.

After being saved by the mass cull, Amy was all smiles as she arrived at rehearsals earlier today, clutching a much-needed coffee.

The 35-year-old opted for a cropped black top and matching leggings for the day, finishing the outfit off with black sunglasses and a denim jacket.

She was joined by Nancy Xu, who flashed a thumbs up for the camera, as well as an equally-excited Alexis Warr.

Vito Coppola, who claimed the trophy in 2023, arrived armed with a huge duffel bag as preparations for the next series got underway, while Lauren Oakley made sure to wave on her way into the venue.

It was an emotional day for Dianne Buswell, who won the competition alongside Chris McCausland in 2024, as she returned to work for the first time since giving birth to her son, Bowden.

Taking to Instagram, she shared a snap as she cuddled the tot - who she shares with Joe Sugg - alongside the caption: "First day back at work. Mummy will miss you so much my boy.

She added in a follow-up post: "So many lovely positive msgs from other mummas. Thank you all. Means a lot x [sic]."

There have been huge changes at Strictly in recent months, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdecombe joining the BBC as new hosts, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.

Over the weekend, it was confirmed that five new dancers would be joining the remaining professionals ahead of the upcoming series - with Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita joining the team.

Reigning champion CarlosGu, who won last years competition with Karen Carney, is among those who will be returning alongside Aljaz Skorjanec, Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin.

Eight contestants have been announced so far, with Jaime Winstone, Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best and Dame Sarah Storey taking part.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

[Google Preferred Source Badge]Follow Daily Mirror: