Amy Dowden marks massive milestone after being forced to quit Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has marked a year since finishing chemotherapy treatment by thanking ‘those around me who are there for the good, the bad and the ugly’.

The Welsh dancer, 34, joined the BBC series in 2017, but was forced to miss last year’s season after being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy.

Although she returned this year and was paired with JLS star JB, 37, last week it was announced she had to withdraw from the reason of the season due to a foot injury.

During an appearance on Lorraine a few days ago Amy admitted today would be ‘tough’ as she’d been looking forward to dancing on the show to mark the milestone.

She’s now posted a video on social media reflecting on the past year with a touching statement.

‘Since 09.11.2023 I made a promise to myself that I’d always go grab life, what @nicknacklou (Nicky Newman, who posted about her experience with incurable breast cancer and died last year) who taught me. At the time I didn’t know what was ahead, awaiting tests and I guess the hardest part yet the long recovery from what chemo and surgery does to you,’ she began.

‘I was a “new” me but deep inside found I had zero confidence. Even until late spring I wasn’t sure I had the confidence to dance again. I just didn’t feel like me. But I’m so glad I pushed through because it’s what has made me truly happy again.

‘Although today I’m not celebrating how I imagined and so wanted to. I’ve made myself look back on the last year and feel so proud of all I have achieved and what I would have told the struggling Amy back last December and January what was ahead.’

She went on to write that: But importantly I’m alive and living life to the full. I’m forever grateful to @coppafeel and @mrsgifletcher who ultimately got me checking and saved my life. To all the drs and nurses who have and continue to care for me. Thank you.’

Amy said that ‘life throws many bumps along the way’, but she wanted to ensure they taught her and pushed her to become better, rather than bitter.

‘I’m also lucky to have those around me who are there for the good, the bad and the ugly. You all know who you are, and I love you endlessly.  I’ll keep pushing, keep dreaming and make sure I go grab life in every way possible!’ she concluded.

Amy had completed a CoppaFeel! trek with Giovanna Fletcher before she began to check her breasts, finding a lump a months later on the day before she went on her honeymoon with fellow dancer Ben Jones.

She announced her diagnosis in May 2023 and since then has raised awareness for breast cancer, also posting regular treatment updates on her social media platforms.

Ahead of her return to Strictly she was told there was no evidence of disease in her body, which she called her ‘biggest accomplishment yet’.

Amy, who also has Crohn’s disease, also informed her followers that she won’t get the official ‘all clear’ for five years and will require monthly injections plus regular check-ups.

JB is now partnered with professional dancer Lauren Oakley. They first performed together during Icons Week after Amy was forced to miss a Sunday result’s programme when she was rushed to hospital due to a health scare.