The professional dancer previously shared her breast cancer diagnosis in May and said it would affect her chance of joining this year's Strictly.
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has been through a rollercoaster of emotions this year as she bravely fought breast cancer. After revealing her diagnosis and undergoing a mastectomy, Amy recently received more heartbreaking news about her health. In an emotional Instagram Live chat, Amy opened up about the unexpected turn her journey has taken, including the need for chemotherapy and her withdrawal from this year's Strictly competition.
Who is Amy Dowden?
Amy Dowden, a 32-year-old Welsh ballroom and Latin American dancer, has made a significant mark on the world of dance. Joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, she quickly became a beloved professional dancer on the show. Throughout her career, she has achieved remarkable milestones and even reached the final of the show in 2019 with kids' TV presenter Karim Zeroual.
A heartbreaking twist: a new type of cancer
According to Hello!, the 32-year-old professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing previously shared with her fans that she received a breast cancer diagnosis in May. Following the diagnosis, she promptly underwent a complete mastectomy for treatment. While waiting to learn about her further treatment, she was aware that the possibility of chemotherapy could impact her participation in this year's Strictly competition.
In a recent Instagram Live chat with breast cancer survivor Erin Kennedy for charity CoppaFeel!, Amy shared the unexpected turn her cancer journey took after her mastectomy. 'For me, everything changed,' she explained. Amy added:
'I was originally going to have a lumpectomy, radiotherapy, and hormone treatment. But then, after my MRI, they found another tumor, so then it changed into a mastectomy. Unfortunately, they found even more tumors.'
The news got even more devastating as doctors discovered another type of cancer, and Amy was informed that she needed chemotherapy. This revelation was a massive blow to her, as chemotherapy was not part of her original treatment plan. She said:
'They found another type of cancer and then they told me I needed chemo – for me that was a massive blow. It wasn’t in the plan, originally – and I know the plan you can’t get fixated on.'
Facing the prospect of chemotherapy, Amy had concerns about the impact it might have on her dance practice. She expressed her determination to continue dancing despite the challenges she faces. 'You can take away my boob, but you can't take my dancing away from me,' she emotionally shared.
Will Amy be able to compete on Strictly?
Despite her hopes to return to Strictly this year, the effects of chemotherapy meant that she could not participate in a competitive capacity for the upcoming season. The 32-year-old explained:
'This year, it means I’m not going to be able to dance with a celebrity on Strictly, but I’m in such regular contact with the team – the BBC have just been utterly incredible.'
However, Amy said she is not going to give up dancing despite the health challenge:
'The oncologist said to me (my) movement is really, really good for people on chemo, it’s important so that was encouraging. I’m determined to continue in a healthy way and, as much as I can, continuing to be Amy.'
After her emotional Instagram Live chat, Amy expressed her gratitude to her fans and followers for the love and support they have shown her during this challenging period. She wrote, 'I’ll tackle this next step the best I can and very blessed to have the love and support of my family and friends along with you guys.'
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