Strictly Stars Unite After Cancer Diagnoses Revealed

When Dr Punam Krishan, the familiar face from BBC One’s Morning Live and a contestant on the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, shared a photo from her hospital bed on Instagram, she was met with a wave of support and empathy. Her message, posted on January 4, 2026, was raw and honest: “Five months ago, I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer.” For a doctor with nearly two decades of experience, the news was both shocking and surreal. “Nothing—absolutely nothing—prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself,” she admitted, describing the “shock,” “fear,” and “trauma” that followed her diagnosis of breast cancer.

Dr Krishan’s revelation came after months of keeping her diagnosis private, a decision made to protect her energy and most importantly, her children. “My husband, my family and a small circle of friends have carried me through in ways I’ll never forget,” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of close support during such a challenging time. She explained, “When something like this happens, you realise very quickly what—and who—truly matters.”

Her decision to finally disclose her diagnosis was motivated by the emotional weight of secrecy and a commitment to honesty: “Carrying it quietly has been heavy. Because I’ve always believed in honesty. And because life rarely looks like the highlight reel, even when it seems that way from the outside.”

Dr Krishan’s story struck a chord with many, not least because she had no family history of breast cancer and was in good health. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I had no family history. I was well. I’m a doctor. And yet—here I am.” Her journey through treatment was challenging, but she is now on the other side. “I’ve now completed treatment and I’m healing. Grateful. Relieved. Still shaken. All of those things can exist at once.”

One of the most powerful aspects of Dr Krishan’s message was her emphasis on early detection. She credited her survival to listening to her body and acting on a gut instinct when something felt off. “What I’ve learned most is this: early detection saves lives. It saved mine. My story began with an unusual feeling—a gut instinct. Listening to it mattered. Please know your body. Trust yourself. And act early if something doesn’t feel right.”

Her candor about the mental toll of her diagnosis resonated deeply. “This experience has changed me. It’s taken me to very dark places mentally—conversations about your own mortality will do that—but it’s also stripped life back to what truly matters. Your health is everything. Not work. Not possessions. Not perfection.”

Dr Krishan’s courage did not go unnoticed among her Strictly family. Amy Dowden, the Welsh professional dancer and herself a breast cancer survivor, was quick to respond with a heartfelt message of solidarity: “You got this pink sister xxxxxxx sending so much love xxxxxxxxx.” Gorka Marquez, Dr Krishan’s dance partner on the show, also extended his support, writing, “I know you and I know you will get through this, and we will be sat having a coffee and a croissant.”

Amy Dowden’s journey has unfolded in the public eye since her own diagnosis in May 2023, which came just before her honeymoon with husband Benjamin Jones. After discovering a lump, she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. By February 2024, Amy received the news that there was “no evidence of disease,” and she made a triumphant return to Strictly Come Dancing later that year, paired with Thomas Skinner. Despite being eliminated early in the competition and subsequently undergoing a second mastectomy (a precautionary measure, not due to a new cancer), Amy has remained a beacon of hope and advocacy for early detection.

On January 3, 2026, Amy reflected publicly on her health journey, sharing a photo from her appearance on ITV’s Lorraine with her head shaved. “Two years ago today! I don’t recognise myself!” she wrote, recalling the fear and grief she felt at the time. “I know how scared I was. How I felt robbed of the past year and mourning the old me so much. All I wanted was to be back on that dance floor. I wanted that old body and me back. What I would go back and say to that Amy then who was struggling more than I ever let on. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and really hoping I’m helping those going through and sadly about to go through those words ‘sorry, it’s cancer’.”

Amy made a promise to her followers: “I promise always to do all I can to help raise awareness and funds. Tonight I celebrate all the little wins I wish I did along the way!” The outpouring of support in her comments section was overwhelming, with fans calling her an “inspiration” and “remarkable lady.”

The stories of both Dr Krishan and Amy Dowden highlight the unpredictable nature of cancer. As Dr Krishan put it, “Cancer doesn’t discriminate.” Their experiences echo the advice of the NHS, which lists symptoms of breast cancer as including a lump or swelling in the breast, changes in the skin or shape of the breast or nipples, and persistent pain in the breast or armpit. Treatment options vary depending on the stage and spread of the disease, ranging from surgery (including mastectomy) to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

For Dr Krishan, sharing her journey was about more than personal catharsis—it was about raising awareness and encouraging others to trust their instincts. “Please know your body. Trust yourself. And act early if something doesn’t feel right.” For Amy, it’s about using her platform to inspire and reassure: “I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and really hoping I’m helping those going through and sadly about to go through those words ‘sorry, it’s cancer’.”

Both women’s stories serve as reminders that even those with medical knowledge or celebrity status are not immune to life’s toughest challenges. Their openness, resilience, and advocacy for early detection have already changed lives—and will undoubtedly continue to do so.

In the quiet aftermath of treatment, as both Dr Krishan and Amy Dowden focus on healing, their voices ring out: health is everything, and hope, even in the darkest moments, is never out of reach.