Former JLS singer JB Gill, who was her partner, has now been paired with Lauren Oakley for the remainder of the series.
“JB, obviously, he’s got to continue, and you’ve got the amazing Lauren,” Dowden said. “But hopefully I’ll be back dancing in some capacity, maybe in a group number, by the end of the series. Fingers crossed.”
Dowden then broke down in tears when host Janette Manrara asked how much being back on Strictly had contributed to her overall well-being.
“Oh, it was everything,” she said through tears.
“Sorry, I’m heartbroken. Being back with the Strictly family, with the best rehab…”
The 34-year-old previously shared her hopes that 2024 would be “her year” on the show as she hoped to become the first Welsh dancer to win the glitterball after her struggle with cancer.
Dowden was initially diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023 after finding a lump the day before she left on her honeymoon with husband Ben Jones.
She was given the all-clear in August this year.
Caerphilly-born Dowden has been documenting her experience with breast cancer in the hope that it will raise awareness and encourage others to check themselves.
Earlier this week, a spokesman for Strictly confirmed she was dropping out of the current series.
“The health and well-being of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority,” he said. “The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”