Professional dancer Amy Dowden has made a heartbreaking admission about her cancer journey, revealing she believes she wouldn't be alive today without her involvement in Strictly Come Dancing.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
The 35-year-old Welsh dancer was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, which led to her undergoing a double mastectomy. However, doctors later discovered she had another type of cancer that required chemotherapy treatment, forcing her to miss the 2023 series of the popular BBC dance competition.
During a check-up in August 2024, Amy received the incredible news that there was no evidence of the disease. She shared on social media that these were the words she'd been dreaming of since her diagnosis, though she acknowledged it could take up to five years to receive the complete all-clear.
How Strictly Led to Life-Saving Discovery
Appearing on the Dr Hilary Show, Amy credited Strictly Come Dancing for leading her to discover the lump on her breast. That show has changed my life for the better, she shared. I'm so grateful, and if it wasn't for the show, I wouldn't have been paired with Tom Fletcher, who was my partner in 2021.
I got on so well with Tom and his partner Giovana which then led me to get involved with breast cancer charity Coppafeel, Amy explained. This involvement then led me to check my chest, and a few months later I found the lump.
In an emotional statement, she added: If it wasn't for Strictly I probably wouldn't be alive because they paired me with Tom which led me to find my cancer. The universe somehow went right for me there.
Continuing Health Journey and Strictly Future
Earlier this week, Amy revealed she was undergoing a second mastectomy, but reassured fans this was not to treat a new cancer diagnosis. In an Instagram post showing her petting her dog, she shared that her medical team are confident she can expect a straightforward recovery.
Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family, she wrote, informing followers she would miss participating in the show but would be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on.
After a year's hiatus during her treatment, Amy made a comeback to Strictly in 2024, dancing alongside JLS star JB Gill, though she had to withdraw midway through the series. She returned again this series but was eliminated in the second week while partnered with The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner.
Earlier this year, Amy's remarkable contributions to fundraising and raising awareness of Crohn's disease were recognised when she was honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One, with the next episode airing at 6.25pm tonight (November 8).
