Strictly's Amy shares what she "cried most over" after diagnosis
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has revealed what she "cried most over" following her cancer diagnosis.
The professional dancer was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer last year, and has been sharing online health updates with fans ever since.
In a recent update, Amy revealed the good news that doctors had found "no evidence of disease" in her body after undergoing months of chemotherapy.
Ahead of her return to the Strictly ballroom this autumn, Amy is set to release a new memoir which will see her open up about her diagnosis, mastectomy and life-threatening battle with sepsis.
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In the book, titled Dancing in the Rain, the dancer also reveals that she cried most over losing her hair during treatment.
"My life away from Strictly was distinctly unglamorous," she said in an extract obtained by MailOnline.
"With each new chemo session, the next challenge was growing more and more obvious. Before I could say goodbye to cancer, I would have to say goodbye to my hair. And I think I cried more over that than anything else.
"I would have to trim it, clip it and finally shave it completely – and then face the terrifying decision to appear on national TV with a fuzzy bald head."
Last year, Amy shared an emotional video of herself tearfully saying goodbye to her hair, with the help of some family and friends.
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Describing it as "the hardest step so far", she admitted that chopping off her hair was a difficult decision to make, and that it would take some time for her to get used to her new appearance.
Amy added that she wanted to "share the truth and hopefully help others, and bring normality to a beautiful bald head".
Weeks later, Amy made an emotional return to Strictly to present the voting information, and she made the "liberating" decision to appear without a wig.
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As well as her upcoming memoir, the BBC has also announced an hour-long documentary to tell Amy's story. The working title of the project is Amy Dowden: Fight of My Life.
The film, described as "raw, deeply personal and honest", will chart the dancer's journey through her chemotherapy treatment, as well as depicting the support she received from both her family and colleagues.
"I hope others find hope and strength from this film, and that it encourages everyone to check themselves, no matter what age you are," Amy previously said in a statement.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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More information or support about living with breast cancer or treatment is available from organisations including Macmillan Cancer Support, Coppafeel!, Cancer Research UK and Stand Up to Cancer.
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