Amy Dowden, the Strictly Come Dancing professional, is feeling 'very blessed' as she marks her 36th birthday today, spending it doing what she loves most – dancing with her Strictly family in rehearsals ahead of the show's return next month.
The dancer celebrated with a party on Sunday, surrounded by friends and family. She shared a clip on Instagram of a friend lighting a candle she jokingly placed in her mouth before placing it on her cake.
A new perspective on life
Amy's cancer fight has given her a fresh outlook on life. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, she underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy before announcing her remission in February 2024. Three years on from having her breast removed, which forced an early menopause, she took a moment to reflect after the celebrations.
In an Instagram post, she said: "Another birthday, and I’ll always say that every birthday is a privilege. Feeling so grateful after the most beautiful weekend spent with my loved ones, making memories and feeling very lucky to be surrounded by so much love."
She added: "And now, off to spend my birthday doing what I love most, dancing with my Strictly family! Couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate. And a very big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beautiful twin sister! So lucky to share this special day with you. Feeling very grateful, very loved and very blessed."
Almost quit Strictly
Amy told the Mirror last week that she almost said goodbye to the show for good. It was fellow dancer Carlos Gu who convinced her she still belonged on the dance floor, along with her husband Ben.
She said: "I’d been pulled out of Strictly and I was ready to hang up my dancing shoes, but it was Carlos and Ben, my husband, who gave me that tough love, that motivation to make sure I didn’t. If it wasn’t for them, I truly was gonna hang up my dancing shoes. It was only then I really knew how low I was in my life. I was at an ultimate low."
"My husband and Carlos were the ones who got me my confidence back, ensured I could do it, made sure that cancer didn’t take my dancing away from me along with everything else. There's not many people who will sacrifice themselves to help a loved one like that."
Return to the ballroom
Amy has been on the BBC programme since 2017, guiding celebrities including Brian Conley and Tom Fletcher. After overcoming her health obstacles, she returned to the ballroom last year with partner Thomas Skinner, but they were the first couple eliminated.
Earlier this summer, she shared that she feels more prepared than ever for her comeback this year. Her perspective on life has changed completely since her surgery, and in June she posted holiday photos from Ibiza, writing: "Three years ago today, I had just recently just my breast removed and was currently undergoing fertility treatment before starting chemotherapy. I was terrified, not only of the treatment itself, but of being thrown into a forced menopause because my cancer is hormone-fed."
"Fast forward exactly three years, and my perspective on life has completely changed. I live each day to the fullest, with so much gratitude for the little things I once took for granted. I know how lucky I am, and I never lose sight of that. Every day is a gift, and I’m determined to make the most of it. Here’s to resilience, hope, and celebrating every milestone."
