Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has bravely opened up about her ongoing battle with cancer, revealing she initially underestimated the physical toll of chemotherapy. The 33-year-old dancer admitted she was "deluded" thinking she could continue performing while undergoing treatment.
The Harsh Reality of Chemotherapy
Dowden, who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May 2023, shared how her optimism quickly met with reality. "I genuinely thought I'd be able to dance through chemo," she confessed. "How deluded was I?" The Welsh dancer described how the treatment left her exhausted and unable to perform at her usual standard.
Missing Strictly Come Dancing
The popular BBC show has felt her absence this season, with Dowden being forced to sit out for the first time since joining in 2017. "Not being able to dance on Strictly this year has been heartbreaking," she revealed. The professional dancer had hoped to return but acknowledged her body needed time to recover.
The Emotional Toll
Beyond the physical challenges, Dowden spoke candidly about the psychological impact. "There were days I couldn't recognise myself in the mirror," she shared, referring to hair loss and other side effects. Despite the difficulties, she remains determined to return to the dancefloor when her health permits.
Support from the Strictly Family
The Strictly community has rallied around Dowden during her treatment. Fellow professionals and celebrities have offered constant support, with many dedicating performances to her throughout the current series.
As she continues her recovery, Dowden hopes her story will inspire others facing similar battles. "Cancer changes you," she reflected, "but it doesn't have to define you."
