Amy Dowden’s Inspiring Journey: From Cancer Diagnosis to ‘Newer, Stronger’ Strictly Star
A Story of Resilience and Recovery
Welsh dancer Amy Dowden’s life took an unexpected turn when she discovered a lump in her breast in April 2023, just before her honeymoon in the Maldives with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones. Following the discovery, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023.
The Journey Through Treatment
After her diagnosis, Dowden underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Despite these challenging circumstances, she has now emerged clear of the disease. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, as Dowden admits she was initially “deluded” about her recovery timeline, believing she would quickly return to dancing on Strictly. “I thought that I’d be back to the old Amy, and it hit me really hard,” she shares.
2025: A Year of Triumph
The BBC has officially confirmed Dowden’s return to Strictly’s 2025 series. Celebrating this milestone, she shared contrasting photos of herself – one recent and one from during treatment, noting they showed “two very different versions of me.” Her body is now “feeling stronger and fitter than ever,” following two back-to-back dancing tours.
Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
“I feel like Amy’s back, but actually a newer, stronger version of me,” Dowden states, reflecting on how she should have been “kinder” to herself during recovery. She has learned valuable lessons about self-care, including taking time to rest and prioritizing time with loved ones.
Beyond her dancing career, Dowden’s journey has been documented in the BBC documentary ‘Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me,’ and she was recently honored with an MBE for her services to fundraising and raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease.
Impact and Inspiration
Dowden’s story has broader significance, as she notes that “one in two of us in our lifetime is diagnosed with cancer.” She emphasizes the crucial role of charities and volunteers in supporting cancer research and providing support to both patients and their families.
