Amy Dowden's Devastating Strictly Come Dancing Confession Following Cancer Treatment
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has bravely opened up about her breast cancer journey and its profound impact on her dancing career in a new, emotional interview. The beloved Welsh dancer, 35, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and underwent a second mastectomy a year later, enduring gruelling rounds of chemotherapy throughout her treatment.
A Heartbreaking Admission About Retirement
In a candid conversation on former Busted member Matt Willis's podcast On The Mend, Dowden revealed she almost did not return to the Strictly dance floor, confessing she seriously considered retiring from professional dancing altogether. She heartbreakingly admitted, "I'd lost everything as a dancer, my flexibility, my speed – everything I worked 20 years for." Dowden explained that her body had been through so much that she felt she was no longer the same performer, leading her to contemplate hanging up her dancing shoes permanently.
The Support That Changed Her Mind
Praising her husband and fellow Strictly star Carlos Gu for his unwavering support, Dowden shared how he helped her find the strength to continue. She recounted his encouraging words: "Cancer's taken so much, it's not taking your dancing back. You can do this." This motivation, combined with her own passion for dance, inspired her recovery. Dowden emphasised that the joy dancing brought to her family and herself became a crucial spark in her healing process, driving her to work tirelessly to regain her fitness and happiness.
A Life-Saving Partnership and Future Plans
The dancer credited her partnership with former McFly frontman Tom Fletcher in the 2021 Strictly series as potentially life-saving. Through Fletcher, she was introduced to the breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel, founded by his wife Giovanna Fletcher. Dowden confessed to Matt Willis, "I have to admit, I'm going to have to be team McFly, because if it wasn't for Tom Fletcher, I wouldn't be alive." This connection highlights the importance of awareness and early detection in her battle against cancer.
Looking ahead, Dowden teased her possible return to the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, which starts in September, while also committing to raising awareness for breast cancer. She concluded, "Fingers crossed, I don't know yet, I'll be returning to the Strictly dance floor, but at the same time, I'll be doing all I can to help others." Additionally, she is set to go on tour this year with her best friend Carlos, marking a triumphant step in her career resurgence after her health struggles.
