Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has revealed she was considered a 'risk' by choreographers and potential dance partners due to her Crohn's disease. The 33-year-old dancer, who has been on the BBC show for six years, said she faced rejection early in her career because of fears her illness would impact others' careers.
Crohn's disease is a lifelong condition causing inflammation in the digestive system. Dowden experiences swollen eyes, mouth ulcers, constipation, severe pain, sickness and fatigue, and takes eight steroids daily to avoid hospitalisation. She described it as 'a rotten illness to live with' on the BBC Access All podcast.
Diagnosed at age 11, Dowden said she hated being asked about her health rather than her dance aspirations. When seeking new partners, she would disclose her condition on her teacher's advice, only to be ignored. 'I had so many rejections because of my Crohn's,' she said, adding that producers worried about insurance if she fell ill.
Dowden initially hid her illness when joining Strictly, fearing it would overshadow her achievements. But her parents persuaded her to tell the production team, who were supportive. 'They were like "that's absolutely fine, let us know what we need to do",' she recalled. The team now ensures she rests when needed.
Dowden has partnered with disabled contestants including Rose Ayling-Ellis, Ellie Simmonds, George Webster and JJ Chalmers. She said working with Chalmers, a Royal Marine veteran with a limb difference, was 'the perfect partnership' as they understood each other's pain and hospital experiences.
