BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden celebrates major change after 'gut instinct' told her it 'it wasn't good'
The dancer has celebrated the major change in her life, almost two years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer
Amy Dowden has celebrated the major change in her life, almost two years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Strictly Come Dancing star recalled how her 'gut instinct' told her things were not 'good' after she discovered a lump in her breast.
Amy, who has been a professional dancer on the BBC One show since 2017, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 after finding a lump in her breast before going on her long-awaited honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones.
The dancer went on to document her fight against the disease as she underwent a mastectomy and gruelling chemotherapy treatment.
Much to everyones delight, Amy did return to the Strictly ballroom last year before an unrelated unjury ruled her out of the seires, in which she had been competing with JLS star JB Gill.
But now, Amy has reflected on the difference a couple of years can make as she marked the confirmation of her return to the hit dance contest this year after completing her first joint headline tour with her Strictly co-star and friend Carlos Gu.
Sharing two pictures on Instagram, one taken during her current holiday in Tenerife, Spain, with Carlos, her twin sister Becky and their friend Brad Dykes and another during her cancer treatment, Amy told her followers: "Two years ago I found my lump and my gut instinct told me it wasn’t good.
"I was in Blackpool about to do a full day in the ballroom with all my students. That morning in the shower is when my heart sunk. I was also flying off on my long awaited honeymoon the next day. I knew in my gut it wasn’t right.
"The entire time I was away I was checking it everyday and googling when Ben wasn’t looking. I remember one day cycling back to our villa and actually thinking this might be my last holiday. Your mind spirals so quickly. It’s crazy how dates become so significant after a cancer diagnosis. So much has changed since then but I am so proud of how far I’ve come.
"The first picture was taken last night celebrating my confirmed return to Strictly later this year compared to me mid treatment, is two very different versions of me."
The 35-year-old went on: "I constantly dreamed about getting the old ‘me’ back and you know what, this year has been everything, and so much more, two back to back dancing tours-my body feeling stronger and fitter than ever.
"2025 I always said sounded like a good year. But what I have certainly learnt along the way is not to compare myself to others, learning the full process of recovery has its hurdles, takes the time it needs, both physically and mentally. I have learnt to be kind to myself!
"I always told myself during treatment this too shall pass and my fav moto of all time don’t get bitter get better.BUT what I really want to say and to get across is always trust your gut! You know your own body, don’t be scared to see your GP and express how you feel.
"Trust your instincts, trust your gut and remember you know YOU better than anyone else! Live and appreciate every day. #breastcanceryoung #checkyourself #cancer #mycancerjourney #breastcancer #raiseawareness #lifeaftercancer."
And the comments quickly came flooding in. Carlos gushed: "What an inspirational woman you are !! I’ve learnt so much from you." Strictly's It Takes Two host Fleur East said: "Amazing to see you glow again. Such a strong woman and so inspiring too."
Strictly co-star Dianne Buswell cheered: "Go on girl." Broadcaster Gabby Logan commented: "You are so inspiring Amy." The Traitors winner Leanne Quigley replied: "Gorgeous and glowing and a massive inspiration." Actress and Strictly 2024 star Sarah Hadland added: "You’re amazing Amy."