Amy Dowden has shared a new health update just weeks after having a major surgery. The Strictly Come Dancing professional has been open about her cancer battle over the years, the 34-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
After undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment, Amy revealed in February last yeartests showed “no evidence of disease”, which meant she could return to Strictly Come Dancing in September 2024. Earlier this month, Amy said: “Hey everyone, as you all know I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive.
“So I’d like to start by being clear what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis. However following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided that I’ll be having another mastectomy this week.
“They’re confident that, all going well, I can expect a straightforward recovery. Once I have healed I look forward to re-joining my strictly family.
“Of course I’m going to miss not being there so much but I will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on. Thank you always for all the support. Welsh love Amy xxx.” The NHS explains a mastectomy is surgery to remove one of your breasts.
In a new post, the dancer shared a mirror selfie of the day she came out of hospital. She captioned the post: “This picture I took the day I come out of hospital, post surgery! Tomorrow marks two weeks since my surgery, and I’m feeling proud with how far I’ve come.
“Focusing on the little things, I’m seeing gradual improvements in my movement and being able to do more each day. I have been taking it slow, listening to my body, being kind with myself, and celebrating the small wins. But this week I’ve really seen a difference and feeling so like me again. Please remember to check yourself.”
Amy, who was the first dancer to be eliminated from this year’s Strictly with celebrity partner Thomas Skinner, has been sent messages of support.
Reigning Strictly champion Dianne Buswell shared a love heart emoji and former Strictly contestant Samia Longchambon posted “Sending lots of love Amy.”
One fan commented “Sending so much love. My mum had a double mastectomy in her early 40s and I helped her slowly heal. Baby steps. Take one day at a time. I’m very lucky to still have my mum with us, she’s now 81.”
Another said: “Sending love and thank you for sharing your journey I personally know from my breast cancer diagnosis last year how hard it is and I’m not in the public eye. Wishing you a speedy recovery from your surgery.”
Further responses were “Sending love and every step is huge progress one day at a time beautiful. You are doing amazing and inspiring so many to get checks.”
Before Amy was eliminated from the latest Strictly series, fans had enjoyed seeing her back on our screens every week. Thomas and Amy faced the first dreaded dance-off of the series alongside former England rugby star Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova, with both pairs performing their dances for a second time.
After they had performed their salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden, and Chris and Nadiya had performed the Viennese waltz to Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, the judges gave their verdict.
Head judge Shirley Ballas and judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood all voted to save Chris and Nadiya, meaning Motsi Mabuse did not need to use her casting vote, which is only used in the event of a split-decision, but said she would have voted the same way.