Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has opened up on her fertility journey after undergoing cancer treatment, revealing she has hopes to start a family with husband Ben Jones
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Amy Dowden has bravely shared her fertility journey following her breast cancer treatment. The 34 year old dancer, who was diagnosed with the illness in 2023, made a stunning return to the BBC dance floor in 2024, teaming up with JLS star JB Gill.
Unfortunately, a mid-series foot injury forced her to bow out, with Lauren Oakley stepping in to take her place. Despite the setback, her and JB waltzed their way to the final, ultimately losing the coveted glitterball trophy to Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell. Before starting her cancer treatment, which included a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Amy was warned by doctors that it would likely trigger early menopause. With a strong desire to start a family with her husband Ben Jones, she underwent egg retrieval to secure their chances of having children in the future.
Opening up about her dreams of motherhood, Amy got candid with ITV’s Lorraine Kelly and Rosie Smith on their ‘What If? Podcast. “We would love a family,” she confessed, detailing the steps they’ve taken, reports the Mirror.
“We’ve got embryos, because, obviously, I’ve got a hormone-fed cancer, so I was put into menopause, which happened the day I started chemo,” Amy revealed, sharing her story with heartfelt honesty.
Amy opened up about the future with her hubby, explaining: “So, in a couple of years, when they feel it’s safe, hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity. And if not, there’s still lots of other opportunities, which we have spoken about. Hopefully in years to come we’ll be lucky enough to become parents, too, but [we’re] taking every day as it comes.”
After getting engaged five years ago, Amy and Ben finally tied the knot in a fairytale South Wales wedding in 2022, following disruptions due to the global health crisis. Speaking exclusively to Hello! Magazine, she couldn’t help but reflect on their gorgeous venue, sharing: “It was a stunning venue. I always knew I wanted to get married in Wales.”
Among those celebrating with the happy couple were some familiar faces from Strictly, including 2024 champion Dianne Buswell, who stood by Amy’s side as bridesmaid.
Amy and Ben, crossed paths back in 2011 during the BBC competition, keeping their romance under wraps initially due to concerns over their dance coach’s reactions. Together, they danced their way to victory, clinching the British National Latin Dance championship – making history as the first all-British pair to win.