Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden has issued a health update ahead of the new season starting. The Welsh dancer has been open with her journey since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
The 35-year-old was told she is cancer free in February 2024, but still needs to visit hospital for monthly check-ups. She shared how she has received her monthly injection today as she shared a snap from inside the hospital on Instagram. The post was captioned: “Good morning. Monthly injection time on the oncology unit.
“But although tired from travelling late last night and little sleep I’m absolutely buzzing from yesterday’s record day! Literally such a fab day performing to a lovely audience with the strictly family. Forever grateful to be living the dream feeling like me again.”
Amy has visited the Sheldon Unit where she received treatment as she heaped praise on the staff, as she said: “As I always say, they are real life heroes. Everybody who works in that department.”
However, Amy revealed her heart sank after what staff told her. She said: “They said it’s been so busy. Like ridiculously busy, and my heart just sank because that means more people are needing treatment, more people are being diagnosed.
“My heart just absolutely sunk feeling for all those, but it just made me realise how important it is to raise awareness, to share my story.
“And to remember, if you’re not checking yourself, who is? Early diagnosis can save your life so please make sure you’re looking after yourself and you know your own body better than anyone else.
“If you feel different, or something is not right, please get it checked out by a GP. I’m in awe of all that work at that unit. They work so hard. But also to see the joy that Strictly brings them.”
Amy laughed as she revealed the medical staff and the patients were asking her about who she will be partnered with as Strictly fever ramps up. Amy spoke to a lady undergoing treatment at the centre.
She said: “For me to just chat a little bit of Strictly as she received treatment and see the joy that it brought makes me so proud to be part of a show that just brings smiles to the nation.
“I love it with all my heart. From two years ago when I was receiving treatment every week, I got to experience from the other side what Strictly does. I looked forward to watching every week, to watching It Takes Two every night. It was a little bit of normality and escapism.
“I really can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been up to with the group numbers and for the series to start, knowing what it does for people.”
The next season of Strictly Come Dancing gets underway on September 20. Amy will be partnered with one of the 15 celebrities who have been confirmed for the show.
The celebrities confirmed are Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani-Dyer Bowen, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein, Vicky Pattison, Stefan Dennis, Thomas Skinner, Karen Carney, Ross King and Lewis Cope.
The celebrities will be aiming to emulate the success of Chris McCausland as the Scouse comedian captured the hearts of the nation on his way to winning the 2024 season.