Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden shares emotional update on cancer battle

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has taken to social media to share an emotional reflection on her journey, celebrating one year since completing her chemotherapy treatment. In a heartfelt post, the professional dancer expressed gratitude for the unwavering support she received during her battle with stage three breast cancer.

Despite missing out on partnering with a celebrity in the BBC One series last year due to her treatment, she made a remarkable return in the 20th anniversary season alongside JLS's JB Gill, until an injury forced her to withdraw early from the competition.

Amy opened up about the challenges she faced after her cancer treatment, describing how she promised herself to seize life, drawing inspiration from Nicky Newman, known as @nicknacklou on social media, who bravely shared her own incurable breast cancer journey before passing away. Reflecting on the uncertainty and the tough road to recovery from both chemotherapy and surgery that severely impacted her confidence, Dowden recounted her struggle to reclaim her self-assurance.

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Despite these difficulties, she revealed that dancing again has brought her true happiness, stating: "Since 09.11.2023 I made a promise to myself that I’d always go grab life, what @nicknacklou (Nicky Newman) taught me."

She continued: "At the time I didn’t know what was ahead, awaiting tests and I guess the hardest part yet the long recovery from what chemo and surgery does to you," adding, "I was a ‘new’ me but deep inside found I had zero confidence. Even until late spring I wasn’t sure I had the confidence to dance again."

Amy concluded with uplifting optimism: "I just didn’t feel like me. But I’m so glad I pushed through because it’s what has made me truly happy again."

Her emotional video on Instagram highlighted a poignant moment from November 9 2023, as Amy rang a bell to signify the end of her chemotherapy, marking a significant milestone in her harrowing yet inspiring journey.

"Although today I’m not celebrating how I imagined and so wanted to."

"I’ve made myself look back on the last year and feel so proud of all I have achieved, and what I would have told the struggling Amy back last December and January what was ahead."

"But importantly I’m alive and living life to the full."

Amy also thanked the doctors and nurses who continue to help her and breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! as well as podcaster Giovanna Fletcher "who ultimately got me checking and saved my life".

"Yes, life throws many bumps along the way but I’m ensuring these bumps teach me and push me to become better, don’t get bitter get better", she said.

"I’m also lucky to have those around me who are there for the good, the bad and the ugly. You all know who you are and I love you endlessly."

"I’ll keep pushing, keep dreaming and make sure I go grab life in every way possible! ". .

Amy had completed a CoppaFeel! trek with 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.

The Caerphilly-born dancer, who joined Strictly in 2017, announced her diagnosis in May 2023. .

Since her diagnosis and subsequent mastectomy and chemotherapy, the dancer has raised awareness for breast cancer and in 2023 posted regular treatment updates on her social media platforms. .

She was paired with singer Gill on this year’s series of Strictly prior to an injury that led her to pull out.

Gill is now dancing with professional partner Lauren Oakley, after they first performed together during icons week. This followed Dowden's absence due to a health scare that caused her to miss the previous Sunday’s results show.

On Monday, a Strictly spokesperson announced that Amy would not compete for the rest of the series as she "focuses on her recovery following a foot injury". Speaking on ITV's Lorraine on Thursday, Amy expressed her disappointment at missing the chance to celebrate one year since ending her chemotherapy on the Strictly live show, where she was scheduled to perform the samba with Gill.