Heartbreak as Amy Dowden reveals second cancer scare and missing Strictly Come Dancing

Amy Dowden has revealed she went through a terrifying second cancer scare which could have left her missing Strictly Come Dancing again. The 34-year-old was diagnosed with grade three aggressive breast cancer in May 2023 after discovering a lump on her breast while on her honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones.

Amy remained positive during the tough treatment period after the devastating diagnosis and numerous setbacks like during her first and second cycles of chemo which ended up in emergency hospital stays and life-threatening complications, including sepsis and blood clots, reports the Mirror.

The dancer later underwent a mastectomy and has since completed her chemotherapy treatments but was unable to compete in the 2023 series of Strictly. In July last year, she received a second diagnosis for "another type of cancer", and began chemotherapy in August.

READ MORE:Ex-Rangers star Amad Diallo announces sad death of mum in emotional statement

READ MORE:ITV This Morning's Rochelle Humes sends warning to bosses over 'naked' mishap

In February, earlier this year, the Strictly star revealed her latest health check showed "no evidence of disease", describing the news from doctors as "words I dreamed of" and her "biggest accomplishment yet".

However, Amy suffered a health scare and ended up in hospital again after doctors raised concerns following a check-up. In her new BBC show Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me she said: "It was a scare, such a worrying time.

"I'll never forget them calling me to say we're sorry but we've seen something we don't like the look of. I was in disbelief, I thought I can't go back through this again, I can't miss Strictly again.

"My whole family were heartbroken." She had hoped surgery had solved her cancer, but two months later was told doctors had found another type."

She continued: “A year ago I was recently married and about to go on honeymoon, it was an exciting new chapter in my life, but finding a lump on my breast changed my life.

"I never thought at my age I would get cancer and, despite having family members and friends who were cancer survivors, had no idea just what the impact on my life would be.

"I’ve learnt so much about myself and what a cancer diagnosis means on this journey. I hope others find hope and strength from this film, and that it encourages everyone to check themselves, no matter what age you are.”

Amy is set to make her return to Strictly and shared an emotional message on social media following the BBC's announcement.

She said: "I'm so happy and grateful to be back on @bbcstrictly. MY HEART IS SO HAPPY. The best team on and off the dancefloor. I can't wait to be back doing what I love most in the world, dancing!

"Feel blessed and more excited than EVER. Bring it on! Thank you @bbcstrictly for your support always. Eeeeeekkk. #amysback #strictlycomedancing #letsdothis #excited #cantwait #myheartissohappy."

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.