Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden admits she's been 'struggling' ahead of BBC return

Amy Dowden, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has confessed to battling with her self-assurance ahead of her comeback to the popular BBC contest.

The 34 year old was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer after she found a lump in her breast just before she was set to embark on her honeymoon.

She had recently tied the knot with the man of her dreams and was excited about starting a family. Just six days post-diagnosis, Amy, originally hailing from Caerphilly in South Wales, courageously chose to let cameras record her journey, irrespective of what the forthcoming months might hold.

Speaking to Good Housekeeping UK, the dancer revealed that she sought support from her sister, Rebcecca, immediately after her diagnosis. Amy shared that her sister persuaded her to undergo a single mastectomy, followed by eight rounds of chemotherapy, and confessed she was "so glad" she heeded her advice.

After making an unexpected appearance on Strictly last year, boldly forgoing her wig in the process, Amy finally got to ring the bell on November 8, marking the conclusion of her chemotherapy treatment, reports the Express.

However, the star disclosed that she still needs ongoing treatment and confessed she is "struggling" with several issues ahead of her Strictly comeback.

She stated: "I still need monthly injections for the next five years, so I don't have the all-clear yet, but I'm just so thankful to be able to get back to some form of normality and return to Strictly this year."

"I know it's going to be tough on my body, and I've been suffering with confidence issues because I put on weight during my treatment and haven't been dancing like the other pros have."

"But it's a huge comfort knowing I'll have Rebecca, Ben and my family cheering me on. If I've learned anything over the past couple of years, it's to grab life by the horns."

Strictly will return to screens later this year with 18 professional dancers taking to the floor this season. The celebrity pairings are yet to be announced meaning former England midfielder Paul Merson, presenter Nick Knowles and TV personality Pete Wicks could all be partnering Amy this year.

The British national champion will be joined by fellow pros Nikita Kuzmin, Kai Widdrington and Katya Jones all hoping to take home the famous glitterball trophy. Amy said she would "love to win Strictly" but said she also wanted to travel with Rebecca and start a family with her husband Ben.

She said: "My motto in life is 'get better, not bitter' - and I intend to live by that every day."