The glitz and glamour of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom are set to return to screens this evening, but for one professional dancer, the moment carries a weight far beyond sequins and spotlights. Amy Dowden, the Caerphilly-born star who made history as Strictly's first Welsh professional dancer in 2017, is making her long-awaited full return after a harrowing two-year battle with breast cancer and the setbacks that followed.
Dowden, now 35, was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer in May 2023 after discovering a lump in her breast the day before her honeymoon with fellow dancer Ben Jones. As reported by BBC News, she candidly described the shock of her diagnosis: “I thought I was too young to be diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said, reflecting the disbelief shared by many young women facing the disease. Her breast surgeon, Dr. Naren Basu, explained that cancer in women aged 25-50 often appears at a more advanced stage, partly because higher breast density in younger women makes tumors harder to detect on mammograms.
The months that followed Dowden’s diagnosis were a whirlwind of surgeries, treatments, and emotional upheaval. She underwent a mastectomy and, in her own words, “straight away said can I have both off,” fearing the cancer might return in her other breast and determined to take control of her future. Doctors advised her to “focus on the cancer” first, given her increased infection risk due to Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition she has managed since 2019. Dowden later expressed gratitude for the reconstructive surgery she received, saying, “I’m really happy with my plastic surgery and my implant.” As she told Cancer Research UK, options for reconstruction can be overwhelming, but she found comfort in her outcome.
Dowden’s treatment journey was anything but smooth. According to The Independent, she endured chemotherapy, fertility treatment, a blood clot in her lung, and sepsis. She documented her experience in the BBC film Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, which aired in August 2025. The documentary follows her from the initial diagnosis through each grueling stage of treatment, including her decision to shave her head after trying to retain her hair with a cold cap. “In the past year, I’ve had a mastectomy, fertility treatment, chemotherapy, sepsis, blood clots, a broken foot and finally it’s time for me to get back on that dancefloor,” Dowden reflected in the film.
Fertility was a major concern for Dowden, as her aggressive, hormone-driven cancer required anti-oestrogen treatments that suppress the ovaries and induce early menopause. She underwent fertility preservation, saving five embryos before starting chemotherapy. “I have always wanted to be a mum,” she shared with listeners on the Breast Cancer Uncovered podcast, acknowledging that doctors have advised waiting up to ten years before trying for a baby to ensure the best chance of remaining cancer-free.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Dowden remained connected to the Strictly family. During her treatment in autumn 2023, she made cameo appearances on the show—reading terms and conditions or joining the cast backstage in the Clauditorium—until a foot fracture in November forced her to withdraw from any further participation that year. She completed her eighth and final round of chemotherapy in November 2023, and by February 2024, she was told she had “no evidence of disease.” The relief was palpable. “I’ve cried all morning! Right, an afternoon of chemo and then I’m so lucky and grateful to be able to ring that bell! Will never take it for granted!” Dowden wrote on Instagram, as reported by The Independent, expressing gratitude to the NHS staff who supported her throughout.
Dowden’s return to Strictly in 2024 was bittersweet. She was paired with JLS star JB Gill, but just weeks into the competition, she suffered a stress fracture to her shin and was forced to withdraw. “I was heartbroken and gutted that my Strictly participation had been interrupted again,” she admitted. Lauren Oakley stepped in to continue with Gill for the remainder of the series.
Reflecting on her decision to return so soon after treatment, Dowden told the Breast Cancer Uncovered podcast, “I went back on the show when I had not fully recovered from my cancer treatment, believing my broken bone was a by-product of my chemotherapy and hormone therapy.” She admitted she was “fixated on getting back on the dance floor,” perhaps before her body was truly ready. The experience left her feeling as if “cancer was still punishing” her, a sentiment echoed by many survivors who struggle with the long-term effects of aggressive treatments.
Dowden’s journey has not been limited to her cancer battle. She has also been open about her struggles with Crohn’s disease, a lifelong inflammatory bowel condition that can cause severe pain, exhaustion, and digestive issues. In 2019, she fronted the BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Crohn’s And Me, sharing her experiences and connecting with others facing similar challenges.
Now, as the 2025 Strictly series launches tonight at 6:40pm BST on BBC One and iPlayer, Dowden is back in the spotlight—and this time, she’s ready to compete. In a jubilant Instagram post hours before the show, she announced, “Today’s the day! I’m strictly rrrrrready, are you? Make sure you tune in tonight 6.40pm bbc1 to see who I’ve been paired with! Can’t wait.” Fans will see her paired with one of this year’s celebrity contestants, a line-up that includes Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, Gladiators’ Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and Lorraine’s Ross King, among others.
Her return is not just a personal triumph, but a beacon of hope for others facing life-altering diagnoses. Dowden has made it her mission to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. “If I wasn’t checking myself, I could potentially not even be sat here right now,” she said, emphasizing the life-saving value of self-examination.
Looking back at the past two years, Dowden told ITV’s Lorraine, “I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. Two years ago, my mouth was covered in ulcers, my hair was falling out, I was quite weak. I was gutted not to be able to take part in Strictly and to see how far I’ve come since then.” She’s worked hard on her strength and fitness, both mentally and physically, acknowledging, “Cancer diagnoses are tough, and I don’t think there’s enough out there about the reality of after the diagnosis and how long it takes to recover.”
With the glitterball trophy once again within reach, Amy Dowden’s resilience, honesty, and determination shine brighter than ever. As the music swells and the lights go up tonight, her story will be an inspiration not just to Strictly fans, but to anyone facing their own uphill battles—reminding us all that, sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to keep dancing.
