Dr Punam Krishan, the 42-year-old NHS GP and BBC Morning Live resident medic who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, has announced she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She shared the news with her Instagram followers, revealing she has been “to some very dark places” since learning of her diagnosis in August.
Krishan, who has supported patients through difficult diagnoses for nearly two decades, said “absolutely nothing prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself”. She described experiencing “shock, fear and trauma”, adding that “in that moment, knowledge means very little”. She credited a “gut instinct” for prompting her to seek medical attention and urged others to get checked.
The mother of two kept her diagnosis private during treatment to protect her energy and her children. Now that treatment has concluded, she said “carrying it quietly has been heavy”. She expressed gratitude to her husband, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, her family and a small circle of friends for their support.
Krishan’s Strictly dance partner Gorka Marquez offered his support, saying: “I know you and I know you will get through this! And we will be sat having a coffee and a croissant.” Amy Dowden, who has also battled breast cancer, wrote: “You got this pink sister xxxxxxx sending so much love xxxxxxxxx.”
Krishan, who was eliminated in the fifth week of the 2024 series, previously described Strictly as “the best fitness journey” of her life. She said the training left her “more toned than ever” and gave her “so much more energy”.
