Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has defended the BBC show’s latest celebrity line-up after some fans branded it the weakest in its history
Dowden believes the programme’s appeal remains its familiar mix of celebrities learning to dance and competing each weekend
She is also confident this year’s contestants could produce a closely fought series
The dancer, now in remission after breast cancer treatment, said Strictly had offered comfort during difficult periods
The new series begins on 19 September, with celebrity-professional pairings again being revealed during the launch show rather than in filmed introductions.