Strictly's Amy Dowden gives health update after breast cancer diagnosis
She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has given fans an update on her health, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32 in May.
Amy, who has appeared on the hit BBC show since 2017, took to Instagram to respond to a fan who asked how she was doing following her recent single mastectomy. She said defiantly: 'I'm up and down but so grateful for those around me.’
She added: 'I’ll never ever be able to thank them enough. Still waiting to be able to drive and dance (next week 🙏)
'I’ve got so many amazing people around me who every day when I’ve not been working took me for breakfast, a walk, to the studio, hospital appointments, had me stay at theirs for a change of scenery… you name it (those who live far we’ve spent hours on the phone).
'As I’m someone who needs to keep going and those people know who they are and I’m not sure I’d be as positive as I am now without them.
‘They have been my recovery medicine and it’s so important to have people around you who you can talk to and help you escape reality.’
Amy first announced she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer back in May, after she found a lump before heading on her honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones.
Sharing a written statement, she said: '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. 💖'.
Earlier this year Amy was announced to appear on the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing, which is due to begin in September. Although it's not likely that Amy will feature on the dancefloor this year, BBC bosses have confirmed they won't be replacing her.
Check out all of the professionals for the 2023 series 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.
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.
We wish Amy all of the best with her treatment and recovery. ❤️
Now read:
Strictly Come Dancing 2023: All of the rumoured celebrities
EastEnders legend 'signs up' for Strictly Come Dancing
Zara McDermott set to be first Love Island star to appear on Strictly