Strictly's Amy Dowden shares defiant message as she begins cancer treatment
The 32-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer
After announcing she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer last month, Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has now given fans an update on social media, revealing she's started her treatment.
Sharing a photo of herself with a smile and thumbs up from her hospital bed, the 32-year-old showed her optimism and determination as she wrote: 'Step one to beating cancer! Rrrrrrready for this fight and more determined than ever to get back on the dance floor 💪💪🙏🙏 #breastcanceryoung #checkyourchest #checkyourlemons #letsdothis #breastcancerawareness🎀 #cancer'. (sic)
Fans and friends of the dancer were quick to send their love and well wishes. Amy's former Strictly partner, McFly singer Tom Fletcher, wrote: 'Sending you all the love today. Us Fletchers are right behind you. X'. (sic)
Gorka Márquez commented: '❤️❤️🙏🏻 you got this @amy_dowden', with Giovanni Pernice adding: '❤️❤️❤️'. Karen Hauer then wrote: 'Love you ♥️ you got this 🦾', with Dianne Buswell writing: '❤️❤️ sending all that energy your way my love xxx'. (sic)
Janette Manrara, who is expecting her first child with husband Aljaž Škorjanec, added: 'We love you! You’ve absolutely 💯 got this 💪🏼🤍'. (sic)
Amy announced in a defiant message back in May that she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer, saying: 'Hey all, I've got some news which isn't easy to share. I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but I'm determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it. 💖'.
The 32-year-old, who also has Crohn's Disease, also opened up to HELLO! about her diagnosis.
She told the publication: "I've been through quite a lot in my life and this is another hurdle. But if I'm positive and strong, I've got a really good chance of getting back out on the dancefloor as soon as possible.
"With what I've done for Crohn’s, I want to do the same here. If I can try and turn this negative into a positive, it's going to help me get through this.
"You just don't ever think it's going to happen to you. I hadn't thought it was possible to get breast cancer at my age. My mum has had breast cancer, but she had it at a later age, in her 50s."
Amy, who has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing since 2017, announced earlier this year that she'd signed up for another series of the hit entertainment show, writing on Instagram at the time: 'Dancing into my 7th season (how is this possible)!!! Can’t believe I’m still living the dream! Each year I fall in love even more with the show and those who know me know my LOVE FOR STRICTLY! Forever grateful to @bbcstrictly and my strictly family! Love you all! 💖💖💖Here we gooooo! 🕺💃🏼🪩🫶! #forevergrateful #year7 #professionaldancer #strictly #lucky #livingthedream #grateful thankful #strictlyfamily #strictlycomedancing'. (sic)
Check out all of the professional dancers confirmed for the 2023 series of Strictly:
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2024 she won the show with comedian Chris McCausland.
Vito Coppola
Vito joined the show in 2022 and made it all the way to the final with Hits Radio presenter Fleur East. In 2024, Vito went one step further, winning the show with former Corrie actress Ellie Leach.
Amy Dowden
Caerphilly-born Amy first joined Strictly in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. In 2023 she was forced to miss the show after being diagnosed with cancer in May. After undergoing successful treatment, Amy returned to the show in 2024.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2024 he was paired with Dr Punam Krishan.
Karen Hauer
Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Paul Merson.
Katya Jones
Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with Wynne Evans in 2024.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Gladiator Montell Douglas in 2024.
Kai Widdrington
Kai became a professional dancer in 2021, when he reached the final with presenter AJ Odudu but had to pull out due to an injury. Last year, Kai wasn't paired with anybody.
Jowita Przystal
Jowita joined the show in 2021 and was given her first professional partner, Hamza Yassin, in the 2022 series, with the pair went on to win the show. Jowita was then paired with Pete Wicks in 2024.
Carlos Gu
Carlos joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. The pair reached the final of the show. Last year, Carlos didn't have a celeb partner.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams, and was paired with Sam Quek in 2024.
Nancy Xu
Nancy was paired with actor Shayne Ward in 2024. She has been a professional on the show since 2019.
Neil Jones
Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016. His past celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott, actress and comedian Nina Wadia, and Toyah Willcox in 2024.
Lauren Oakley
Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series. Lauren stepped in for injured dancer Amy Dowden last year, working with JB Gill.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2024 she was paired with Nick Knowles.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2024 she was paired with Tom Dean.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle joined Strictly in 2022 and was given her first celeb partner in Jamie Borthwick in 2024.
Aljaž Škorjanec
Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the show for a massive nine years before announcing he'd quit in 2022. However, much to the delight of fans, BBC bosses confirmed in July 2024 that he would be returning a professional dancer for the 2024 series, making it all the way to the final with Tasha Ghouri.
Alexis Warr
American dancer Alexis Warr has joined the series for 2025. She said: "I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK."
Julian Caillon
Australian dancer Julian Caillon has joined the series for 2025. He said: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! "
Although it's not yet known if Amy will take part in the 2023 series following her diagnosis, bosses have confirmed they won't be replacing her on the show.
We are sending Amy all of our love. ❤️
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