BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden in 'exciting' announcement after reacting to sad loss

Amy Dowden has shared a fresh 'exciting' announcement with fans after the Strictly Come Dancing star told how she "probably wouldn’t be sat here right now" without the late Kris Hallenga following the death of the CoppaFeel! charity founder.

Kris died at the age of 38 after living with terminal secondary breast cancer for 15 years. She founded CoppaFeel! in 2009 by with her twin Maren and it became the mission of the charity to educate young people about why they should start checking from a younger age so that all breast cancer is diagnosed early.

Amy, 33, revealed in May 2023 that she had been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and after undergoing a mastectomy, due to further chemotherapy treatment, she was unable to compete in the most recent series of Strictly. She has since been told there is "no evidence of disease" but won't get the all-clear for five years due to the type of cancer.

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The Welsh dancer had completed a CoppaFeel! trek with podcast host and author Giovanna Fletcher before she began to check her breasts, finding a lump months later on the day before she went on her honeymoon with fellow dancer Ben Jones.

Speaking on ITV morning programme Lorraine, Amy said: “I did the Pembrokeshire trek and it was on that trek I was speaking to the most wonderful trekkers. I realised I’m here advertising, raising awareness to check yourself and I don’t even check myself. o from that trip I started to check myself and just a few months later, I found my lump and so if it wasn’t for CoppaFeel!, if it wasn’t for Kris, I probably wouldn’t be sat here right now.”

Reflecting on her legacy, Lorraine added: “We’ll never know how many lives she saved actually," to which Amy responded: “And she’s going to continue to save these lives as well." And after appearing on TV to discuss the loss of Kirs and her legacy, Amy took to social media with some news.

Alongside a picture of her sporting a CoppoaFeel! tee, the dancer said: "Exciting News Alert. This June, I’m embarking on an epic trekking adventure with @coppafeel and @mrsgifletcher ! Say hello to your new #CoppaTrekWithGi Team Captain! Alongside a powerhouse team of trekkers, I will be walking 100km over 5 days through the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) to raise vital funds and awareness for the breast cancer charity, @coppafeel.

"CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and are on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. They educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests regularly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves."

Amy added: "Although it’s going to be a tough week, I can’t wait to face the challenge! Training starts now so if you have any trekking tips, please comment below. I’m going to need all the advice I can get. CoppaFeel!’s message is super important to me which is why I would be so grateful for your support. If you are able to donate, you can do so through the link in my bio. Every penny will help ensure @coppafeel can continue their incredible work."

And fans were quick to show their support. @junewebster7721 said: "What an amazing person you are I wish you the very best and good luck." @e_rookies commented: "Good luck Amy, you are going to smash it." @liann.a33 wrote: "Cant to trek with you and all the other incredible trekkers." @donna.squire.37 added: "Picking up Kris's baton and carrying on. She would be so proud."