Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has delivered an uplifting health update to her fans, just four weeks after undergoing a second mastectomy in her ongoing battle with breast cancer. The 35-year-old Welsh dancer appeared on the BBC spin-off show It Takes Two looking radiant and healthy, marking a significant milestone in her recovery.
A Positive Recovery On Track
During her Thursday appearance alongside fellow dancer Katya Jones, host Janette Manrara asked Amy how she was feeling. "I'm feeling really well actually!" Amy beamed in response. "Four weeks ago today, I had my surgery, and recovery is all going to plan."
This surgery last month was her second mastectomy, following her initial diagnosis in May 2023. Her treatment journey has been arduous, encompassing a first mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, and a life-threatening sepsis infection. Despite her nerves about competing in the show's 'Strictly pro challenge'—citing two years of bad luck—her performance impressed judge Shirley Ballas and shot her to the top of the leaderboard.
Reflecting on a Heartbreaking Journey
Last week, Amy offered a poignant look at her struggle, sharing a powerful side-by-side post on social media. One image showed her at her lowest ebb two years prior: in a hospital bed, hair lost due to chemo, with a cannula in her hand. The contrasting photo depicted her current, joyous self.
In a heartfelt caption, she revealed the depth of her despair at the time, believing she would "never get the old Amy back" and that cancer had "taken away her dancing shoes." She described the hospital moment as "the lowest point I’d ever been." However, she paid tribute to her husband Ben and Strictly co-star Carlos Gu for their unwavering support in helping her reclaim her life and passion.
"I’m posting this to show it’s POSSIBLE," she wrote defiantly. "Yes it’s been hard but I DID IT... Cancer you didn’t take and will not take who I am!"
Celebrating Small Wins and Spreading Awareness
Amy's update follows a post last month where she marked two weeks post-surgery with a selfie, expressing pride in her progress. She emphasised focusing on "little things" and "celebrating the small wins" while listening to her body. Crucially, she ended her message with a vital public health reminder: "Please remember to check yourself."
The dancer, who was given the all-clear in February 2024, has made a remarkable return to Strictly this series, paired with contestant Thomas Skinner. Her story continues to inspire many, highlighting resilience in the face of a disease that affects over 55,000 women in the UK each year.
