Amy Dowden: From Cancer Warrior to Dancing Queen – A Story of Resilience and Recovery

A Journey of Courage and Determination

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 with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones in the Maldives. The 34-year-old was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023.

Following her diagnosis, Dowden underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment, which meant she couldn’t compete with a celebrity partner on Strictly in 2023. However, her journey has been marked by remarkable resilience and determination.

Triumph Over Adversity

In a significant milestone, Dowden revealed in February 2024 that her latest health check showed “no evidence of disease”. During her treatment, she had taken precautionary measures by freezing her eggs before undergoing chemotherapy, as the treatment had placed her in a medically-induced menopause.

Now, Dowden describes herself as a “newer, stronger” version of herself as she prepares for her return to Strictly Come Dancing. As she puts it, “I feel like Amy’s back, but actually a newer, stronger version of me and I’m really grateful to be in this position”.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The BBC has confirmed Dowden’s return for Strictly’s 2025 series. The dancer is feeling stronger and fitter than ever, having completed two back-to-back dancing tours. She has also learned valuable lessons along the way, including the importance of rest and recovery. As Dowden notes, “I’ve learned to take time to rest, recover and spend time with my loved ones” and has realized “you don’t need to be contactable 24/7”.

In recognition of her contributions, Dowden was recently made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to fundraising and raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease. Her experiences with both cancer and Crohn’s disease have been documented in BBC programmes, inspiring others facing similar challenges.