Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has opened up about her secret health battle with Crohn's disease, a condition she has managed since childhood but was only diagnosed at age 19.
Speaking on This Morning, the 28-year-old dancer said she does not want sympathy but aims to raise awareness. She admitted that only a few Strictly co-stars and production staff knew about her illness.
“I’m not Amy with Crohn’s. I’m Amy the dancer. It won’t define me,” she said, adding that a positive attitude is key. She noted that the production team has been “incredible” in supporting her.
When asked if the condition could affect live shows, Dowden acknowledged it is a possibility but stressed that anyone could fall ill on the day. “There’s always a back-up plan,” she said.
Dowden, who has been paired with Brian Conley and Danny John-Jules on the show, revealed she suffered crippling symptoms as a child, including extreme pain and vomiting, but was not diagnosed until she was 19. She confirmed she will return for this year’s series.
