Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden has courageously faced her darkest moments after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer last May. Her resilience shone through as she recently announced in February that she is now free of the disease, a testament to her fighting spirit and the successful treatment she received.
Her candidness about her health struggles has not only raised awareness but also endeared her further to the public as she reflected on Catherine, the Princess of Wales recent announcement sharing she too had stopped chemotherapy treatment.
Gracing the red carpet at the National Television Awards at London’s O2 Arena, Amy exuded elegance with her chic pixie cut and a dazzling pink gown, signalling a fresh chapter in her life. The Caerphilly-born star, 34, radiated good health and optimism while discussing her future aspirations.
“It’s just so brilliant to be back,” she enthused. “It feels wonderful to be dancing, which is what I love more than anything, and celebrating that and the amazing show that is Strictly in its 20th year.”
Reflecting on the past 16 months, Amy shared how her battle with cancer has profoundly altered her perspective on life, reports OK!.
“I’m just so lucky to have got through cancer,” she said thoughtfully. “I say, don’t take tomorrow for granted. We don’t know what’s around the corner. So be present, be in the moment, do what you love and most importantly, spend time with the people you love.”
The Princess of Wales’ recent heartfelt video discussing her own challenging recovery from cancer struck a chord with Amy.
“It really resonated with me,” she expressed. “I think it would with anybody who’s been through cancer. I think Kate is amazing and her message was beautiful.”
Amy’s intense fight against breast cancer led her to take a hiatus from her beloved show for its 21st season while she underwent treatment, stepping back from her role as a former British Latin Dance Champion.
Amy made a triumphant return to the Strictly Come Dancing stage at Elstree Studios on Saturday night, where she was greeted with open arms.
After facing a challenging period, Amy shared that she’s beginning to feel like herself again, drawing strength from her recent experiences.
“I do feel stronger. In the last few weeks, I feel like me again,” she revealed. “It’s been much harder than I realised, getting myself back to it. I think I was a bit deluded. After finishing chemo in November, I thought I’d be fine by Christmas but no, it’s taken me a long time.”
Her philosophy during her lengthy recovery is nothing short of inspiring: “But it’s about patience, remembering this too shall pass. Don’t get bitter, get better. And just being back in the Strictly family, I feel like myself again.”
The star has been wedded to her professional dance partner, Ben Jones, since 2022. She was first diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023, after finding a lump in her breast the night before their delayed honeymoon.
Merely six days post her heart-wrenching diagnosis, she welcomed cameras into her life to film Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me, a potent documentary that sees Amy bare her soul.
Speaking candidly about the strenuous fertility treatment she underwent as chemotherapy can impact a woman’s fertility she expressed her astonishment upon learning embryologists had frozen five of her embryos, offering the couple hope for starting a family in the future.