Strictly star Amy Dowden shows fans her new holiday essential after cancer diagnosis

As Amy Dowden basked in the sun while on holiday with her husband she looked the picture of health and happiness - but not without her new holiday 'must'.

The 33 year old professional dancer, who is best known for her time on Strictly Come Dancing, shared a number of pictures of her much needed time away in the sun. But one thing she was keen to let fans know, is that she never forgets to apply sun protection cream following her battle with cancer.

Last May, the pro dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer and her treatment meant she couldn't take part in last year's series. But now, the TV star is in full recovery and is set to take part in this year's BBC show.

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However, while she appears to be enjoying her time away, she posted a snap of a tube of sun cream and captioned the post: "Always now! How cancer has changed me." In another picture, the couple were pictured looking loved up while in the swimming pool and another was taken of the pair with the sunset in the background. She captioned those pictures: " It's vacay mode. Unconditional. Why not."

Amy has done her best to keep fans updated on her treatment and recovery and so it came as no surprise that she wasted no time in announcing her return to the BBC show. Earlier this month she said on her social media, that her "heart is so happy." She continued: "I'm so happy and grateful to be back on @bbcstrictly my heart is so happy.

"The best team on and off the dance floor. 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."

This was accompanied by a clip showing her elated face in a TV monitor set to the Strictly theme tune. Back in February, Amy revealed that although tests had shown "no evidence of disease", she wouldn't officially be given the all-clear for five years. She told fans at that time: "NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE! Words I dreamed of! My biggest accomplishment yet!"

She added: "I won't be getting the all-clear for 5 years, especially with a hormone-fed cancer. But it was all worth it. Words I never thought I'd hear at one point. So grateful for all the care I received and continue to have. To my husband, family and friends who supported me unconditionally and to you guys! Thank you!"

Amy revealed that she has filmed a BBC documentary about her year-long cancer battle. Just six days after her diagnosis, she made the decision to allow cameras to follow her experience. Speaking of the documentary, she said: "A year ago I was recently married and about to go on a 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."

She continued: "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."

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