Amy Dowden bravely shares emotional video shaving her hair off as she 'takes control'

The Strictly star is going through a cancer battle

Author: Alex RossPublished 21st Sep 2023

Following the news that doctors have found a second cancer in her body, Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has bravely shared a video of herself and her family shaving off her hair, as she continues to go through chemotherapy.

Amy, who is 33-years-old, took to Instagram to update her followers, revealing she's decided to 'take control', despite it being the 'hardest step so far'.

Sharing the emotional video, Amy told fans: 'Taking control- The hardest step so far. I tried my best to save it. I know it’s only hair but these past few months I’ve had what feels like so much taken away from me that has made me not feel like Amy. I’m missing every possible aspect of dancing. I just wanted to keep my identity with my hair and I tried telling myself it wouldn’t go. But I would dread the pain of waking up to the shredding everyday.

'I’ve not been able to take control of this journey so far, but as you can see with some of my loved ones I took the courage and CONTROL. It’s going to take some time to get use to and learn to love and embrace but, I’m now focussing-not on the hair I’m losing but the hair I’m going to get back and the happy dancing, tea lover who talks way to fast whilst rolling every rrrrr who is still there inside with or without hair!

'Since taking control, I feel I can now see the finish line. This for me was a hurdle I couldn’t even bring myself to think or speak about. I’ve done it and I’ve also crossed the half way chemo line!' (sic)

The dancer added: 'I'm feeling empowered and positive! To everyone on their own journey, whatever that maybe, I’m sending love, power, strength and courage.

'I found my courage for this step and I’m proud💖🎀. (There are some fun before and after vids/reels coming, but I wanted to share the truth and hopefully help others, and bring normality to a beautiful bald head)'. (sic)

Amy's brave upload has been inundated with likes and comments, with many of her showbiz friends sending their love.

Strictly's Dianne Buswell wrote: 'Amy 💗💗💗💗 you are still all the things you were before just with added courage strength and determination one thing about you is that you don’t let anything take over ! you always said to me i’m not amy with croahns i’m amy the dancer 💗 your still amy the dancer and always will be i can not wait to have you back on the dance floor with us chatting away making endless cups of tea! we all love you so much and i’m such a proud friend you are taking control 💗🙏 love you amy xxx 😘'. (sic)

Graziano Di Prima added: 'The strongest woman I ever met!! love you so much amy!! ❤️', with Giovanni Pernice adding: '❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️'.

Fleur East commented: 'Your smile still shines the brightest and your light can never be dimmed. Lots of love Amy 🙌❤️❤️', with Michelle Visage adding: 'YOU ARE A WARRIOR AND THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE'. (sic)

Karen Hauer then added: 'Love you so much ♥️', with Molly Rainford commenting: 'we’re all so in awe of you Amy. What a woman, you’re courage in everything you do is incredible. We’re all with you, every step! You got this. Go girl 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿❤️ sending love + hugs'. (sic)

Amy first announced she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer back in May this year, releasing a statement revealing she was determined to beat the disease and get back to dancing.

After under going a mastectomy, sadly, in July, Amy confirmed that doctors had found another type of cancer in her body, with scans showing more tumours. Due to the devastating news, Amy confirmed at the time she wouldn't be taking part in the 2023 series of Strictly whilst she undergoes treatment.

Amy has been keeping in touch with her Strictly family throughout, attending rehearsals and enjoying time on set. During the launch show on Saturday night (16th September), hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman gave her a shout out, wishing her all of the best with her recovery.