Strictly's Amy Dowden meets woman who inspired her to shave head amid cancer battle

Watch: Strictly's Amy Dowden's emotional reunion with woman who inspired her during cancer battle

What did you miss?

Strictly star Amy Dowden has revealed how moving it was to meet the woman who "inspired" her to shave her head as she battled cancer.

The dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year and just weeks later told fans she had received a second cancer diagnosis. She had a mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy and ended up cutting off her own hair, telling fans on social media at the time that it was a way of taking control and left her “feeling empowered”.

Dowden – who will return to Strictly’s pro dancer line-up this year – is now on a trek with breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!, and had the chance to meet the lady behind her decision to shave off her long locks.

What, how and why?

She said on ITV’s Lorraine: “A lot of the women here I was actually following when I was going through my journey. And one lovely lady, Tabby, she put a video on Instagram of her cutting her hair. And it inspired me then to be brave and do it.

“And here we are, trekking together and we've been through it. When we saw each other, I was like, (squeals). Yeah, it's been just such an amazing week and spreading awareness, which is what CoppaFeel! is all about.”

The star, who was interviewed alongside fellow trekker and CoppaFeel! patron Giovanna Fletcher, said it had been an “emotional week”, adding: “I'm just so grateful for another shot at life.”

Before settling off on her adventure, Dowden posted a message on Instagram explaining that it felt like a “full circle” moment for her. Explaining it to host Lorraine Kelly, she said: “Two years ago, I was trekking for my first time in Pembrokeshire.

"And that's what made me start checking my chest… And obviously, a few months later, I found my lump.”

Amy Dowden is returning to Strictly Come Dancing

It looks set to be a good year for Dowden, as in the autumn she will be waltzing back onto the Strictly dancefloor. The 33-year-old made it clear during her cancer journey that she couldn’t wait to get back to the BBC ballroom show when she had recovered.

And earlier this week it was confirmed that she would be a part of the 2024 line-up.

“I’m so happy and grateful to be back on Strictly," the star posted on Instagram after the news was announced. “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 Strictly for your support always.”

“Eeeeeekkk,” Dowden added, along with the hashtag “#amysback”.

Read more: Amy Dowden

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• Amy Dowden's sweet words about Strictly 'family' after cancer update