The dancer emotionally reflected on her life over the past two years as she was seen back in rehearsals for the BBC One show
Amy Dowden has said it’s been ‘quite the journey’ since her cancer diagnosis as she marked two years since she began treatment for the disease.
The Strictly Come Dancing star was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and subsequently underwent a single mastectomy and chemotherapy.
It was later, in February 2024, she told fans that there was “no evidence of disease” and he fought back to return to Strictly for the 2024 run, where she was partnered with JLS star JB Gill.
The pair were making strides in the competition, but Amy suffered an injury, unrelated to her other health difficulties, to her foot and had to withdraw from the competition, leaving her heartbroken.
Now, with the 2025 run of the BBC One dance contest now just around the corner, Amy has been seen in rehearsals with her fellow pro dancers, but she’s never far from being reminded of what she has been through.
Taking to Instagram, she shared a video from the midst of her treatment two years ago, which was captured for her BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.
The heart-wrenching video saw the 34-year-old breaking down in tears as she arrived at the hospital to start treatment. Alongside the video, the Welsh star wrote: “Two years ago today, I’ve been reminded.
“I’m honestly feeling stronger, happier and HEALTHIER than ever! So grateful and just want to remind those who need – this too shall pass.
“I’m forever grateful and don’t ever take for granted how I’m feeling. This a reminder to live life to the fullest and to remember to check yourself. If you aren’t who is going to? Early detection can save lives.”
Following the video, Amy posted a recent photo of herself in which she was beaming during dance rehearsals. Alongside the photo, she wrote: “To now, living my best life in rehearsals.
“Be patient, be kind to yourself, and celebrate all the wins along the way. It’s been quite the journey and process to get here and certainly not easy at times but I’m so glad I pushed through and my love for dance is MORE than ever (didn’t know that even was possible, but it is!)”
Before Strictly rehearsals for the pro dancers got underway last week, with two new dancers joining the line-up, Amy reflected on her recent break with twin sister, Becky, to reset before he big ballroom comeback.
Alongside a string of pictures from the sun-soaked trip to Ibiza, the Welsh star wrote: “Some much-needed twin time. We had the perfect little escape – full of sunshine, sangria, beach days, rooftop swims, incredible food, and most importantly, proper quality time together
“After my cancer diagnosis, I promised my family (and myself) that I’d take more downtime. I used to live life at 100mph, saying yes to everything and everyone. But cancer shifts your perspective.
“This year I’ve been incredibly lucky with new job opportunities which have been full on but so rewarding and I can’t wait to share all to you very soon. So having time to slow down isn’t just okay – it’s essential.
“These past few days have been the perfect reset and I’m heading into the new season feeling recharged, happy, stronger, and HEALTHIER than ever.”