Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has opened up about the profound emotional support she's received from fellow cast members during her ongoing battle with breast cancer, revealing how co-star Tom Skinner's heartfelt gesture brought her to tears.
The 33-year-old professional dancer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, shared the touching moment during an appearance on BBC's Morning Live. "It was just after my first round of chemotherapy," Dowden recalled, her voice filled with emotion. "Tom sent me a video message that just had me in floods of tears."
A Shoulder to Lean On
Skinner, who competed on the 2023 series of Strictly, didn't stop at just a video message. The former footballer turned comedian has maintained regular contact with Dowden throughout her treatment, offering consistent emotional support during her most challenging moments.
"He's been checking in on me, making sure I'm okay," Dowden shared. "It's these small acts of kindness that really make a difference when you're going through something like this."
Road to Recovery
The Welsh dancer has been documenting her cancer journey publicly since her diagnosis in May 2023, undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment. Despite being unable to compete in the most recent series of Strictly Come Dancing, Dowden made several special appearances on the show, demonstrating her remarkable resilience and dedication to the programme that made her a household name.
Her openness about the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment has inspired thousands of fans and fellow cancer survivors, creating a community of support around her journey.
Looking Forward
Now focusing on her recovery, Dowden remains optimistic about returning to the dance floor. "I'm taking each day as it comes," she said. "The support from the Strictly family - both the professionals and the celebrities - has been incredible. It really shows how close-knit our community is."
The dancer's courage in sharing her story continues to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of emotional support during treatment, proving that even in the glitzy world of entertainment, genuine human connection matters most.
