Amy Dowden revealed one of her biggest hopes for the year – to make history by winning Strictly Come Dancing 2024.
The dancer, 34, could be forced to quit Strictly this year after she was rushed to hospital after Saturday night’s performance.
This would be a devastating blow to the dancer who revealed earlier this year that she was keen to win the 2024 competition.
The professional dancer was unable to take part in the 2023 competition after her breast cancer diagnosis, mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment.
Amy made several special appearances throughout the season, even joining in a special group dance despite breaking her foot.
In January this year, the dancer revealed she had high hopes for the competition this year, revealing hopes she could lift the Glitterball Trophy with a celebrity partner, which would result in her becoming the first Welsh pro to do so.
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, Amy told her listeners: ‘After having a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, the lot, I am now finally looking ahead to 2024 and I’ve just got a good feeling it’s going to be my year and hopefully, I’m going to get that Glitterball and I’m going to bring it back to Wales because a Welsh professional dancer’s never won the show.
‘That might be because I’m the only ever Welsh professional dancer to be on the show.
‘But, yeah, that’s my aim for 2024, to get fit and healthy and to get myself back on that Strictly dancefloor.’
Amy’s best-ever result was achieved on Strictly with CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual in 2019 when they finished as runners-up.
The next year, she and former Royal Marines Commando JJ Chalmers finished in sixth place, while in 2021, she and McFly musician Tom Fletcher came in seventh.
So far in the 2024 competition with her partner JB Gill, the duo survived a dance-off in week four and scored a 32 from the judges on Saturday night with their foxtrot to Dancing In The Moonlight by Toploader.
The BBC show has yet to announce if Amy will be able to participate in the competition going forward.
In December 2023, Amy shared a powerful message on her Instagram Story for her followers.
It read: ‘Last day of 2023! I’m sure I’m not the only one but actually finding it hard looking at others’ posts of the past year.
Breast cancer symptoms
You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:
- a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
‘I’m sure I’m not alone and that’s why I wanted to put something. I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry but later I’m going to make myself look through my camera roll and remember all the good times, the amazing opportunities I had, family time but also taking time to realise I learnt the most this year.’
She continued, explaining that she ‘experienced rock bottom, felt I lost my identity and dancing’.
However, Amy felt that she became ‘a stronger, braver person who I’m taking forward with me to 2024’.
‘For those struggling to reflect today remember it’s ok. I feel much better after a little cry this morning and blessed to be celebrating with friends round tonight the GOOD BYE to 2023!’
The dancer concluded: ‘Sending love and hugs to those that need it! Ps as it’s the last day of 2023 why not #checkyourchests.’
Hot Property Picks from Metro
I sold my £2,000,000 Omaze house — the best thing about it was the lawnmower
What I Own: I paid the deposit for my £320,000 Isleworth one-bed by borrowing from my boss
The ‘beautiful’ county where houses are on the market for £35,000
Homes with these 3 features are selling faster than the rest
What I Rent: I pay £1,895 for my one-bedroom Battersea flat, but I don’t have my own oven
This article was originally published in January 2024.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.