Amy Dowden, the vibrant professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing, has made a stunning return to the stage, embracing her newfound strength and confidence following her battle with stage three breast cancer. The 35-year-old Welsh talent is currently dazzling audiences nationwide with her Reborn tour, which kicked off on March 10, 2025, alongside her fellow dancer and friend Carlos Gu.
Dowden’s health issues began unexpectedly when she discovered a lump just before her honeymoon to the Maldives with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, she faced the harrowing realities of treatment, which included undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy. The emotional and physical toll was immense; yet, come February 2024, Dowden received encouraging news during her health checks—there was no evidence of disease. Refreshed and hopeful, she transitioned back to the stage, eager to connect with fans and celebrate life through dance.
During her first performances of the Reborn tour, Dowden expressed her overwhelming feelings of gratitude and joy. Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, she said, "I’m feeling so much stronger, fitter, especially in the last few months, since December, I realised, ‘Gosh, this is what I used to feel like’.” Her enthusiasm for dancing returned full force, marking the tour as not just another show but as part of her healing process. "I really do feel like I’ve got my strength, my stamina, and my confidence back now," she added, showcasing her vibrant spirit.
The Reborn tour, described as "inspirational", features 22 diverse dance routines, pushing both Dowden and Gu beyond their comfort zones. Dowden shared her excitement online, stating: "Reborn, we are on the road! The feeling on the stage the past two nights has been MAGICAL, EMOTIONAL, JOYFUL and THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE FEELING!" Her emotional engagement with audiences and her fellow dancers has become palpable, as she credits the supportive environment for helping her rediscover herself. "To our incredible dancers, Andrea, and the stage crew, THANK YOU. You guys are so talented and just beautiful energy to be around!"
After each night, the response from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have rallied around her on social media, sending messages of support and excitement. Other Strictly Come Dancing stars, including Dianne Buswell and Gorka Marquez, have expressed their admiration for her performances, flooding her posts with encouragement and cheers. Comments erupted with excitement, showcasing how much her comeback means not only to her but to her community of supporters. One fan wrote, "Absolutely stunning show. I loved every single second!" highlighting the resonance of both Dowden's performance and her personal story.
Despite stepping back from her role as a celebrity partner on Strictly Come Dancing during her treatment, Dowden has proven her resilience. She had to withdraw from competing in the 2024 season due to injury, yet her return to the spotlight through the live tour has allowed her to reunite with her fanbase and once again perform at her best. Dowden has also been active beyond the stage, using her platform to raise awareness about inflammatory bowel disease after being recognized with her MBE at Buckingham Palace for her advocacy work. This accolade is not just about her achievements as a dancer but also her determination to improve the lives of others.
Amy Dowden’s story is one of courage, strength, and unwavering spirit. Her experiences resonate deeply with those who have followed her career throughout her challenges. Now, on the Reborn tour, she isn’t just performing; she’s inspiring everyone who watches her. Each step onstage is laden with meaning—a tribute to her survival, her friends, the support of her fans, and her commitment to health awareness. Dowden’s experience showcases not only her personal growth as she returns to the dance floor but also highlights the significance of community support and resilience amid life’s challenges.