Strictly's Amy Dowden says 'this has knocked me' after 'cruel' message

A photograph of Amy Dowden who has been battling breast cancer since 2023
-Credit:Instagram (amy_dowden)


BBC Strictly star Amy Dowden took to her Instagram story to reveal some devastating news, as she said: "I truly hate cancer." The professional dancer has been battling breast cancer since 2023.

After a mastectomy and chemotherapy, the 34-year-old announced in February 2024 that she had “no evidence of disease” following tests, before returning to Strictly Come Dancing in September 2024.

Despite Amy's slow but successful journey to being cancer-free, she revealed that a friend she had made during her treatment has lost her battle and sadly died. In the Instagram story, Amy said: "Life is cruel and I truly hate cancer!

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: Best Chinese takeaway in Merseyside chosen by ECHO readers

READ MORE: Heartfelt 'I love you' note left in Albert Dock venue after star's death

"A beautiful soul, Hannah, I met during treatment. Our appointments always aligned and we'd have a good natter and put the world to rights."

The Welsh dancer said she had previously spoken about Hannah on the ITV lunchtime show Loose Women and Hannah "immediately messaged me to say thank you."

She added: "Hannah like me had breast cancer. We spoke so much about our lives after cancer and I remember when I saw her during my trek (had to come back for injection) she told me she wanted to join me on one next year to give back.

"I was six months ahead of her so she would always be asking me questions and she was just the most genuine, dedicated mother and soul. I've just received a message from Hannah's friend to tell me Hannah passed last Tuesday."

ADVERTISEMENT

The devastating news deeply affected Amy. She said: "This has knocked me but also knowing she's left two beautiful twin girls behind who already have lost their dad to this awful disease. You will live on through them Hannah."

Hannah Whitsell died surrounded by her loved ones
Hannah Whitsell died surrounded by her loved ones

Amy said she plans to organise something special for the twin girls, who have now lost both their mum and dad to cancer. She also revealed a GoFundMe page has been set up in Hannah's memory.

She added: "The news has hit me quite hard. I'm gutted and angry. RIP beautiful Hannah. What a woman!" The heartbreaking news came after Amy had visited the hospital for her continuous preventative treatment.

She shared a photo to her story of her in the hospital chair, she captioned the image: "And we are back for the first one of 2025 at the Sheldon Oncology Unit. Don't enjoy these... but if they keep that cancer away it's worth it! Plus always lovely to catch up with the unit."

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite being forced to withdraw from the BBC show early due to injury, Amy is taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing live arena tour alongside her dance partner, JLS star JB Gill. The tour arrives at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena on January 28 and 29.

The celebrities taking part include actor Jamie Borthwick, broadcaster, presenter and opera singer Wynne Evans and model and TV personality Tasha Ghouri. They will be joined by Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas, actress Sarah Hadland and singer Shayne Ward.

For the first time, judge Motsi Mabuse will join Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood across all UK tour dates.. The tour is hosted by Janette Manrara who will ensure a high-energy evening for all ages.