Amy Dowden Expresses Gratitude in Swimsuit Photo After Mastectomy
Amy Dowden, the renowned Strictly Come Dancing professional, has openly shared her feelings of gratitude in a stunning swimsuit photo, taken just months after undergoing a mastectomy. The dancer posted the image to Instagram on Thursday, 19 February 2026, while celebrating her sister-in-law's birthday at the Blue Marlin Beach Club in Ibiza.
Health Battles and Personal Triumphs
In the caption, Amy wrote, "In my swimsuit era, giving it to you from all angles. Beach Club vibes to celebrate @pollypj birthday. #swimsuit #holidays #beachclub #minibreak #grateful". This post comes amid a series of significant health challenges she has faced over the years.
Amy's health journey includes:
- Diagnosis with Crohn's disease as a child, for which she won a BAFTA Cymru award for a documentary and later received an MBE for raising awareness.
- Announcement of stage three breast cancer in May 2023, leading to a mastectomy and chemotherapy, during which she developed sepsis, broke her foot, and suffered a blood clot on her lung.
- Good news in February 2024 when tests showed no sign of cancer, though she must wait five years for a complete "all clear".
- Hospitalisation in October 2024 after collapsing post-dance, leading to withdrawal from Strictly Come Dancing due to a foot injury.
- Another mastectomy in November 2025, which she clarified was not due to a new cancer diagnosis.
Emotional Updates and Future Hopes
During a live appearance on Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer, Amy provided a candid update on her cancer journey. She expressed heartbreak about potential motherhood, stating, "A cancer diagnosis changes you forever… I’ve been put into menopause… I don’t know if I’ll ever have the honour of becoming a mum which I desperately want to… Five weeks ago I have another mastectomy… I’m so grateful for another shot of life, to be able get back on the dance floor… I’m so grateful for my medical team, the doctors and nurses who have kept me alive."
She also shared a romantic photo with her husband, Ben Jones, whom she married in 2022, captioning it "Always you babe", highlighting her personal support system during these trials.
Amy's resilience and openness continue to inspire fans as she navigates her health battles with courage and positivity.
