In a heartfelt and courageous announcement, Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has revealed she will not be paired with a celebrity partner for the upcoming 2024 series of the hit BBC show. The news comes after a gruelling year-long battle with breast cancer that saw the beloved dancer undergo a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
The Welsh star, a fan favourite since joining the show in 2017, shared the emotional update with her followers, stating that while her body is not yet ready for the intense physical demands of the competition, she will be making appearances throughout the series in a different role.
'My Body Isn't Ready Yet'
'It's with a heavy heart I'm sharing this news,' Dowden expressed. 'While I'm so grateful to be on the road to recovery, my body simply isn't ready for the rigours of the competition just yet. The demanding schedule and intense physical training required for the live shows would be too much at this stage of my healing journey.'
Despite this setback, the 33-year-old remains incredibly positive about her involvement with the show that made her a household name. BBC executives have confirmed that Dowden will still play a significant role in the upcoming series, though specific details about her involvement remain under wraps.
A Year of Courage and Resilience
Dowden's cancer journey began last year when she discovered a lump just days before her honeymoon with husband Ben Jones. What followed was a whirlwind of treatments, surgeries, and immense personal strength that she documented openly with her fans and followers.
Her transparency throughout her treatment has been widely praised, with many crediting her for raising awareness about breast cancer in younger women and demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
Strictly Family Support
The Strictly Come Dancing family has rallied around Dowden throughout her treatment. Fellow professionals, former celebrity partners, and show hosts have consistently shown their support through social media messages, visits, and public statements of encouragement.
This community support has been crucial for Dowden, who has often spoken about how the show and its participants have been like family to her during the most challenging period of her life.
Looking to the Future
While disappointed about not competing this year, Dowden remains optimistic about her eventual return to the dance floor. 'Strictly is my passion and my joy,' she said. 'I'm determined to come back stronger than ever when the time is right. For now, I'm focusing on my recovery and looking forward to being part of the show in whatever capacity I can.'
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, praising her bravery and expressing excitement about seeing her back on screen, even if not in her usual competitive role.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is expected to begin this autumn on BBC One, with the full lineup of professional dancers and celebrity contestants typically announced in the summer months.
