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:
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, it's now been confirmed Amy will return to the show for the 2024 series!
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2023 he was paired with Nikita Kanda.
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.
Karen Hauer
Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Eddie Kadi.
Katya Jones
Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with actor Nigel Harman in 2023.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Tennis legend Annabel Croft in 2023.
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 was paired with Angela Rippon.
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 Jody Cundy in 2023.
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 was paired with Angela Scanlon.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams.
Nancy Xu
Nancy was paired with actor Les Dennis in 2023. 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 and actress and comedian Nina Wadia.
Lauren Oakley
Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2023 she was paired with actor Adam Thomas.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2022, she danced with Matt Goss. She was without a celebrity partner last year.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle joined Strictly in 2022. She was without a celebrity partner last year.
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 will be returning a professional dancer for the 2024 series.
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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