Former Strictly Come Dancing star Fleur East, who is taking the reins from Rylan Clark on the BBC series’ spin-off It Takes Two this year, has opened up about her new role in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk.
The singer also spoke highly of her friend, professional dancer and fan favourite Amy Dowden, who was due to take part in the 2023 series.
However, due to her ongoing battle with breast cancer, Amy is not able to compete this year, but the courageous star continues to share health updates on Instagram as she undergoes treatment.
Fleur’s interview with Express.co.uk comes after she wowed crowds at Cheshire’s DevaFest last weekend, headlining the family-friendly music, food and lifestyle festival on Saturday night.
The Former X Factor finalist’s tremendous respect for Amy and her struggles was clear, as she explained: “Knowing Amy from the time I’ve spent with her, if there’s any way that she can be involved, she will be.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Fleur East on ‘weirdest’ part of new role ahead of It Takes Two debut[NEWS]
“The Strictly family, like I’ve said before, are so tight and everybody’s behind her supporting her and showing her so much love.”
Fleur went on to reveal that there would be a special moment in the series dedicated to Amy.
“I have no doubt that there’ll be some form of dedication or shout-out to Amy for sure during the show,” she said.
“I mean, if it was up to Amy, she’d be on the dance floor now. She’s just so strong-willed. She has such passion and enthusiasm for what she does. She loves to dance.
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“And she’s someone that is so strong,” Fleur continued. “No matter what life throws her, she’ll just pick herself up and she’ll just continue.
“I remember talking to her a lot on tour and learning a lot about the health issues that she’s had over the years and I was so surprised that I had no idea about it.
“Seeing her dance and go through every year and watching her on the show… She’s just such a pillar of strength. I would have no idea what she was going through.
“And for that I really admire her and I just think she’s so courageous for sharing her story. We just wish her all the best.”
Back in May, Amy announced she had been diagnosed with grade three breast cancer at the age of 32, explaining that she wanted to share her chemotherapy journey to “help raise awareness” for the illness.
Fleur made it to the final of the BBC dance show last year with professional partner Vito Coppola, narrowly missing out to winners Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal.
She will be joined on It Takes Two by former Strictly professional Janette Manrara, who will be returning to her hosting role on the programme just weeks after giving birth to her first child, a daughter named Lyra.
To read more about DevaFest, Cheshire’s family-friendly music, food and lifestyle festival, visit their website here.
Fleur East at Deva Fest. Photo credit: Paul Cooke at PAC Photography.
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