Amy Dowden has shared a health update after she announced she would be taking some time away from Strictly Come Dancing to have another mastectomy this week. The 34-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has been open about her journey over the last two years.
After undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment, Amy revealed in February last year that tests showed “no evidence of disease”, which meant she could return to Strictly Come Dancing in September 2024.
Earlier this week, 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 uploaded by the professional dancer last night, following her surgery, she said: “Thank you for all the messages and love. Sorry I’ve not replied to anyone, (only just looked at my phone). Surgery went well and lots of sleep and resting up.
“Hubby & Family have been looking after me and the besties have turned up with the goods and nothing is stopping us from watching the traitors…keeping the tradition going.”
Amy, who was the first dancer to be eliminated from the competition with celebrity partner Thomas Skinner, received a wave of love and support from fans and co-stars of the BBC dance show. Dianne Buswell commented: “heal and rest up Amy” and Claudia Winkleman replied with red heart emojis.
A fan said: “Sending so much love. Hope your recovery is smooth and everything went well. Lots of love” and others responded “the absolute strongest human ever. sending you SO much love- hope you have a speedy recovery.”
Further replies were “What a ray of sunshine you are! Even smiling for the camera after surgery! Be kind to yourself, go gently and get well soon” and “Glad it went well, sending you love and wishing you a speedy recovery.”
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.
Amy paid tribute to her dance partner, she said: “I’ve got to know the real Tom and he is adorable. He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much.
“We’ve worked so hard and a glitterball would have been amazing, but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more important than anything. I’ve made a new friend for life and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“There is a ballroom boy in there, so I’m a bit gutted he didn’t get to do the ballroom, but the last three years, as you know, have been quite difficult for me.”
