Amy Dowden rings bell after final chemotherapy session in emotional post

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared an emotional video of her proudly ringing the bell after finishing her final chemotherapy treatment. The 33-year-old professional dancer has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Updating fans on Instagram, she explained that she will 'never be the same Amy again' as she revealed that she is waiting for an MRI scan to see if she needs to have any more surgery. In the moving video, Amy is seen wearing a t-shirt with the words 'go grab life' on it as she walked through the hospital corridor as nurses and doctors clapped for her.

After embracing many of the nurses and doctors, Amy rang the bell as she appeared visibly overcome with emotion. Sharing the video on Instagram, Amy wrote: 'I rang the bell and I’m so thankful I got too!

'My toughest journey yet! These past few months I look back and think how did my body get through this both physically and mentally. From the words I’m so sorry Amy, it’s cancer and what’s your fertility plans. To having a mastectomy, two weeks later hormone daily injections for egg retrieval, a little Crohns flare up and then on to chemo plus shutting down my ovaries on the same day which sadly lead to sepsis, blood clots, losing my eyebrows, lashes (I have a few hanging in there) and three toe nails.

'But also it’s taken away my love of life these past few months and of course my DANCING! It’s been tough. But hopefully has now given me chance of more life which I’m eternally grateful for and I will never take for granted again.'

Amy continued: 'I’ll never be the same Amy again but, what I do know is I’m so much stronger than I ever knew and I have made the most amazing friends along the way. I hate looking in the mirror at the moment but I know this is a small price to pay and ‘this too shall pass’.

'I’m so grateful to the wonderful Sheldon oncology unit and my family and friends who have been there endlessly for Ben and I. We did it! All though my journey isn’t over yet, this day of ringing the chemo bell felt like an endless distance away and at points I thought I’d never make it to. I’m so proud of myself.

'I now await an MRI to determine if I need more surgery but for now I’m celebrating my chemo journey coming to an end. Thank you all for your love and support along the way. My dancing shoes are warming up and I can’t wait to get back in the training room! Now please remember to check yourselves, if you aren’t who is?!' (sic)

Amy's post was met with thousands of supportive comments from fans and her Strictly family. Dianne Buswell commented: 'you did it amy like i knew you would ! i can't wait to see you blossom and shine the best things are coming for you and i'll be your biggest cheerleader.' (sic)

Tom Fletcher said: 'So proud of you today, Amy. Sending you all the love in the world. You rang that bell!!!' Karen Hauer wrote: 'Love you Amy.'

Motsi Mabuse commented: 'you did Amy and you are a role model for so many!! I wish you all the best. The strength you have show in incredible. Proud of you.'

Take a look at this year's Strictly Come Dancing couples:

Now read:

Amy Dowden shares positive update as she says 'the finish line is in sight'

Amy Dowden reveals how being partnered with Tom Fletcher may have saved her life

Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Everything you need to know

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.

• amy dowden