Strictly's Amy Dowden says milestones 'hurt' as she turns 33 amid cancer battle
The dancer was diagnosed with the illness this year
Amy Dowden admitted any milestones are a reminder that she is battling cancer as she turned 33.
The Strictly Come Dancing pro announced in May that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
She turned 33 on Thursday and marked the day with a sweet birthday message to her twin sister Becky.
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Official line up, rumoured cast, dancers and judges for new series
However, as she shared a snap of them together on Instagram, the dancer confessed she “wasn’t looking forward to this birthday” and that she wasn’t where she should be.
Wishing her “beautiful, kind, talented twin” a happy birthday, Amy said: “Hope your day is as lovely as you and for sure next year we are making up for it!
“Love you Bex and thank you for everything you always do for me.”
She continued: “I wasn’t looking forward to this birthday.
“At the moment any milestone or event is a bigger reminder and hurts.
“I’m far from what I should and normally doing, in the rehearsal room with my Strictly family.
“But all your wishes this morning have certainly cheered me up.”
She said her “birthday wish” was that everyone take the time to check themselves, and directed people to the charity CoppaFeel!
“Doesn’t take long!” she said. “That’s my birthday wish!”
Amy also thanked her fans for all their love and support, saying “it really does help and mean so much”.
Fans flocked to the comments section to wish both Amy and Becky a happy birthday and to praise the dancer for her courage.
Read more: All the winners and finalists of Strictly
“Amy stay positive and be strong when you can and you’ll smash this,” said one fan.
“Amy u will get them dancing shoes back on because you are strong,” said another.
Watch: Shirley Ballas discusses doing 'terrifying' skyathlon in honour of her late brother