A new documentary will feature Amy Dowden's battle with breast cancer
Amy is making a return to Strictly this year!
Last updated 12th Jun 2024
A brand new documentary is being made about Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden and her treatment for stage three breast cancer.
It comes after the 33-year-old from Caerphilly was confirmed to return as a professional dancer on the popular BBC One show, having been forced to miss the 2023 series due to her heartbreaking diagnosis.
The hour-long film, which has a working title of Amy Dowden: Fight Of My Life, will document her cancer treatment as well as her amazing return to dance.
Amy was diagnosed with cancer after she found a lump in her breast the night before her honeymoon in April 2023.
In June of that year, she revealed she had undergone a mastectomy and in November she shared a video of herself ringing a bell signalling the end of her chemotherapy treatment, which had started in the summer.
Although the Welsh dancer was unable to perform as a professional during the 21st series of Strictly, she did make a few appearances on the show and performed in the opening number of the grand final.
What is the documentary about?
The BBC say of the doc: '6 days after her diagnosis, Amy – from Caerphilly, south Wales - made the brave decision to allow cameras to follow her experiences whatever may unfold in coming months. Amy was thrown into a world of surgery, chemotherapy, fertility treatment and uncertainty. Over 15 months, the film captures the difficult times, tough decisions and glorious moments like the Strictly family finding a way to include her in the pro dance in the Final. We also see the unwavering support of family, fellow dancers, friends and the public who messaged in their thousands'.
Amy said of the new doc: "A year ago, I was recently married and about to go on honeymoon, it was an exciting new chapter in my life, but finding a lump on my breast changed my life.
"I never thought at my age I would get cancer and, despite having family members and friends who were cancer survivors, had no idea just what the impact on my life would be.
"I've learnt so much about myself and what a cancer diagnosis means on this journey.
"I hope others find hope and strength from this film, and that it encourages everyone to check themselves, no matter what age you are."
Nick Andrews, BBC Cymru Wales' head of commissioning, added: "The courage and resilience Amy has shown over the past couple of years is without doubt.
"To then have the strength to also allow cameras follow her deeply personal experience in the hope that something positive will come out of what has been such a difficult experience for her and her family is nothing short of extraordinary. This film is very inspiring."
Paul Islwyn Thomas, chief executive of Wildflame Productions, said the company would have been unable to make the film "without Amy's openness and candour".
When is it on TV?
Amy's documentary will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this summer, but no exact date has been announced just yet.
Is Amy returning to Strictly?
On Monday 10th May, BBC bosses announced this year's professional line-up for the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, as the show celebrates 20 years!
Despite Giovanni Pernice not featuring, Amy is returning alongside fan favourites Katya Jones, Gorka Marquez, Dianne Buswell, and last year's winner Vito Coppola.
Check out all of the confirmed 2024 Strictly professionals below:
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.
Graziano Di Prima
Graziano has been a Strictly pro since 2018. Last year, he was paired with former Love Island star Zara McDermott.
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.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024
BBC bosses confirm Giovanni Pernice WON'T feature on Strictly 2024
BBC announce special programme to celebrate 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing