Amy Dowden Reveals Feeling 'Punished' by Health Struggles and Workplace Discrimination
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has shared a devastating insight into how her multiple health challenges have left her feeling "even more punished" by life's circumstances. The dancer, who hails from Caerphilly, has faced a series of severe medical issues over recent years, including a breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, sepsis, a broken foot, and a blood clot on her lung—all occurring within a matter of months.
A Lifelong Battle with Crohn's Disease
Amy Dowden has been battling Crohn's disease since she was just 11 years old, undergoing multiple surgeries throughout her life. She believes this long-term condition actually helped her "cope" with her cancer diagnosis, explaining that she's "used to enduring things, getting on with life regardless" of physical challenges.
Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery Journey
The Strictly star discovered a lump just one day before her honeymoon in 2023, leading to a breast cancer diagnosis. She underwent a mastectomy and was later diagnosed with a second type of cancer. In a positive development in 2024, Amy received the all-clear from cancer, with medical checks showing "no evidence of disease."
Workplace Discrimination Concerns
When it comes to discrimination in the workplace due to health conditions, Amy holds strong views. She told the i Paper: "We feel even more punished by our health struggles when people won't take you for a job because they think you might be unreliable. We're often so much more reliable. Other people will take a day or two off with a cold and we'll push right on through because we're used to the pain. We crack on."
Strictly Come Dancing Experience
In the last season of Strictly Come Dancing, Amy was partnered with Thomas Skinner, known for his appearance on The Apprentice. Unfortunately, they became the first couple to leave the competition. A "gutted" Amy revealed she had wanted to "represent cancer survivors" on that year's series and felt she had "let them down" by exiting early.
She explained: "I'm gutted to be out of the competition because I really wanted to represent cancer survivors—and I feel like I've let them down. I wanted Thomas to go far but, selfishly, I wanted to do it for the cancer community. Since my diagnosis, I came back, got pulled out, came back again and then finished last."
Amy added that she had told herself participating in the popular series and returning to the dance floor would demonstrate that there's "life after" a cancer diagnosis.
Looking Forward
Despite these challenges, Amy continues to pursue her career in entertainment. Fans can catch her on Celebrity Catchphrase on ITV, airing on Saturday, March 28, from 5:50pm to 6:45pm. Her resilience in the face of multiple health battles serves as an inspiration to many dealing with chronic conditions and cancer recovery.
