Amy was initially diagnosed with stage three breast cancer aged 32 in May 2023, after finding a lump in her breast the day before she went on her honeymoon.
The now-34-year-old was diagnosed again later that same year. She returned to hospital in August 2024 for further tests, as doctors were concerned about abnormalities in her breast after a check-up.
She opened up about her ordeal with breast cancer in a BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, which was broadcast in September.
“It was an exciting new chapter in my life, but finding a lump on my breast changed my life,” she said when announcing the documentary.
Despite missing last year’s series because of her illness, Dowden was able to take part in the group dance during the final in December – and this season has been paired up with JLS singer JB Gill.
She said she was “so happy I could burst” after her first live performance. The duo topped the judges’ leaderboard after being awarded 31 points for their waltz to When I Need You by singer Leo Sayer.