Strictly’s Amy Dowden shares a poignant selfie two years on from her cancer battle as she reflects on fears she would have to ‘hang up my dancing shoes for good’

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Professional dancer Amy Dowden has shared a heartfelt message about her cancer journey, contrasting a very difficult low point with her current happiness.

The 35-year-old professional dancer, a familiar face on the show since 2017, received a breast cancer diagnosis in May 2023. She bravely underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and fertility treatment, and faced a life-threatening battle with sepsis.

Amy received good news about her health in February 2024 and has rejoined the show. She’s now partnered with Thomas Skinner for this season.

I recently shared a really personal glimpse into my health journey with my followers. It was a side-by-side comparison – one photo from two years ago, showing me in the hospital after losing my hair and with a cannula in my hand, and another recent picture of me now, feeling strong and healthy. It was a reminder of how far I’ve come, and I wanted to share that with everyone.

It really struck me when I read Amy’s post – she was so honest about feeling like she’d lost a part of herself to cancer, worried she’d never feel like ‘old Amy’ again. It was heartbreaking. But what I loved even more was how she acknowledged her husband, Ben, and her Dancing with the Stars partner, Carlos Gu, for being such incredible support during her recovery. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the toughest times, leaning on loved ones can make all the difference.

Amy shared two photos, noting it had been exactly two years to the weekend since they were taken. Seeing the memories filled her with pride.

The second photo was taken after I was hospitalized by ambulance because I was very sick. I later found out I had another blood clot in my lung, and was also experiencing the harsh side effects of eight rounds of intense chemotherapy.

I vividly remember turning to my husband, Ben, and a close friend as I got into the ambulance. I told them that cancer had changed me forever, and that I knew I’d never be able to dance again. It was the most despairing moment of my life.

I also broke my foot, and I worried I’d never regain my former self, Amy. This photo was taken exactly two years later, after a year of performing in two dance tours – ‘Strictly’ and other incredible opportunities. But more importantly, it was taken three weeks after undergoing another mastectomy…

It took a lot of hard work – a full year, actually – but I finally feel like myself again. I’m sharing this to show others that it is possible to overcome challenges. It wasn’t easy, but I succeeded!

I really wish I’d taken more time to celebrate my accomplishments. But honestly, I’m incredibly proud of how much I’ve overcome, particularly in the last year…

A year ago, after my cancer diagnosis, I believed I’d have to stop dancing. I thought I’d have to retire my dancing shoes. But my wonderful husband, Ben, and my friend Carlos, who I met on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, wouldn’t let me give up, and they helped me keep going.

Tonight, I’m celebrating making it through a tough year. Working hard and focusing on my love of dance, along with the amazing support of my doctors, family, and friends, helped me through. I’m so grateful for all of you, and I love you dearly. Cancer, you haven’t changed me, and you never will!

Amy recently gave a health update, noting it had been two weeks since her second mastectomy. She posted a selfie after surgery, showing herself in a compression bra and checkered pants.

She happily shared that she’s proud of her progress since her surgery, and is now concentrating on enjoying everyday moments and appreciating even the smallest achievements.

Amy shared a photo taken right after she left the hospital following surgery. She’s feeling proud of her recovery, as tomorrow will be two weeks since the operation.

I’m making steady progress with my movement, getting a little better each day. I’m taking things slowly, paying attention to how my body feels, and being patient with myself. I’m also enjoying and acknowledging even the smallest improvements I make.

I’ve been feeling much more like myself this week, and it’s a great improvement. Please don’t forget to prioritize your own well-being.

Amy shared an honest update on her recovery via Instagram Stories, saying she’s finally starting to feel like herself again.

I’m feeling much better, thank you! I started to recover over the weekend and finally have my energy and mobility back. The soreness has lessened, and the bruising is going down. I’m excited to start physiotherapy and work on regaining my full range of motion.

Everyone heals differently, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice. I saw my doctor a week after surgery, and they removed my bandages. It was still quite swollen, but I checked it out and was really pleased with the results. Now, I’m focused on recovering and getting back to dancing when I feel up to it.

As a style expert, I totally get it when clothes just don’t feel right. I was chatting with a dancer recently, and she was telling me about how she’s been shopping for new things. She’s had to put away some of her favorite dresses because they’re either uncomfortable or just don’t work with the bras she’s wearing – you know, the ones that show through! It’s all about finding pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable, and sometimes that means a little wardrobe refresh.

She explained that she needs supportive bras and can’t wear flat shoes, and while it makes getting dressed a little difficult, it’s not a big deal overall.

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2025-12-01 13:19