Strictly’s Amy Dowden says she ‘can’t wait to perform again’ as she thanks fans for supports amid cancer battle
STRICTLY professional dancer Amy Dowden has opened up about her dancing future as she thanked her fans for their support amid her cancer battle.
The BBC star, 32, shared the shock news that she was diagnosed with an aggressive grade of breast cancer last week.
Within moments of being given the devastating test results, fiercely brave performer Amy asked the doctor: “How long until I’m back on the dance floor?'”
Last night Amy shared a throwback photo of her dancing on Strictly as Eurovision star Sam Ryder performed.
She wrote: “This feeling performing is like no other! The emotion, excitement, adrenaline and I can’t wait for it again.
“It feeds my souls!
“Thank u for every single comment and message today!
“It means so much to me and my incredible family I’m so lucky to be surrounded by! Thank you.”
Revealing her health battle on Instagram on Wednesday, she wrote: “Hey all, I’ve got some news which isn’t easy to share.
“I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, but I’m determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it.
“Welsh love Amy x.”
She first discovered a lump in her right breast the day before they flew to the Maldives in April for a belated honeymoon.
After seeing a GP upon her return home, Amy was told the lump was “suspicious” and to “prepare for the worst”.
Although she’s been told she has grade three cancer, it’s not known at what stage it is at.
She now has to wait for an MRI and biopsy before discovering her treatment plan. It will definitely include surgery, she’s been told.
Amy says she wants to remain as positive as possible after doctors claimed they’ve caught it early.
She even hopes for a quick return to Strictly – refusing to rule out being back on the show next series.
Sarah James, the BBC show’s executive producer, said: “Amy is an exceptional person, both on and off the dance floor, and is adored by her entire Strictly Come Dancing family.
“Everyone on the show is sending Amy all our love and she knows that we are all here to support her, whenever she needs us.”
Sadly she has a history of cancer in her family, telling Hello! Magazine: “My Mum had thyroid cancer and breast cancer when I was younger, and it was tough to watch her go through it.
“It’s important to remember the effect cancer has on the whole family – it can be just as difficult watching your loved one go through it, and that can take a toll on everyone’s health.”
Amy has also bravely spoken out about her life battle with Crohn’s.
Amy was first diagnosed with the chronic bowel condition as a child, but kept her battle secret until 2019 when she first opened up about the disease.
The condition causes severe inflammation and ulcers in the digestive system and has landed her in hospital more than 100 times in severe pain.