Strictly Star's Brave Recovery Journey Continues
Professional dancer Amy Dowden has made an emotional return home following her second mastectomy procedure, arriving just in time to watch Saturday night's episode of Strictly Come Dancing from her sofa. The BBC star, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, shared touching photographs of her recovery setup as she prepared to cheer on her colleagues from home.
In images posted to social media, Amy managed a small smile for the camera while wearing pyjamas and holding a cup of tea, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite still having a surgical drain fitted. A second photograph captured the dancer surrounded by supportive family and friends during her home recovery.
Emotional Message to Strictly Family
The Welsh dancer penned a heartfelt message alongside her recovery photos: 'Home, resting up, still got my drain in but rrrrrready for the best entertainment and medicine there is for me… Good luck everyone. Cheering you all on from home! Lots of luck and love xxxxx'.
Her update prompted an immediate outpouring of support from fans and famous friends alike. Strictly host Claudia Winkleman responded with three red hearts, while fellow professional dancer Dianne Buswell wrote: 'heal and rest up Amy'. Numerous other well-wishers sent messages hoping for a speedy recovery.
Successful Surgery and Hospital Update
Earlier in the week, Amy had shared positive news about her surgery outcome from her hospital bed. The star revealed she'd managed to watch the Celebrity Traitors final surrounded by her husband Ben and family members, maintaining what she described as a 'keeping the tradition going' approach to her recovery.
In her hospital update, she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support: 'Thank you for all the messages and love. Sorry I've not replied to anyone, (only just looked at my phone). Surgery went well and lots of sleep and resting up'.
Amy Dowden's cancer journey has been particularly challenging since her initial diagnosis in 2023, less than a year after marrying fellow dancer Benjamin Jones. Her treatment regimen has included:
- Initial mastectomy surgery
- Chemotherapy treatment
- Fertility preservation procedures
- Life-threatening sepsis infection
- Monthly oncology appointments for ongoing monitoring
Back in February 2024, the dancer received encouraging news when doctors could find no evidence of disease in her system. However, medical professionals explained she wouldn't officially receive the all-clear for five years and would require continued treatment.
Looking Forward to Strictly Return
Prior to her latest surgery, Amy had been clear about her intentions: 'As you all know I've always been very open about my health and the care I receive. So I'd like to start by being clear what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis'.
She emphasised her medical team's confidence in a straightforward recovery and looked ahead to rejoining her Strictly family once healed. The dancer, who was unfortunately eliminated first from this year's competition with partner Thomas Skinner, had previously expressed disappointment about not being able to better represent cancer survivors in the competition.
At the Women of the Year Awards in London, Amy shared: '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'.
Despite the setbacks, Amy remains determined to demonstrate that there is life after a cancer diagnosis, telling supporters: 'I just wanted to show what you can be capable of following life after cancer. But I keep telling myself, coming back onto Strictly and getting back on the dancefloor will show ladies and men there is life after a cancer diagnosis'.
As she continues her recovery at home, the Strictly community and fans nationwide continue to send their support and best wishes for her healing process.
