Amy Dowden Overcomes Cancer Scare to Return to Strictly Come Dancing

Amy Dowden, a professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing, recently revealed that a third cancer scare nearly delayed her return to the show this autumn.

At 34 years old, Dowden had taken a year off following her diagnosis of breast cancer and the necessary treatments, which included chemotherapy and a mastectomy. She expressed her joy at receiving the all-clear in February this year, proclaiming she had ‘no evidence of the disease’. Now, she looks forward to returning to the Strictly dancefloor for its 20th series, which she describes as ‘super magical’.

However, her path back to the show was briefly threatened when she underwent a routine MRI scan. The scan revealed ‘a few little dots’, suggesting calcification and possible changes occurring in her breast, which raised concerns about the return of her breast cancer. In the documentary footage captured by the BBC, Dowden shared her emotional response to the news, expressing disbelief and fear of reliving her past ordeal.

Dowden’s initial breast cancer diagnosis came in May 2023 when a lump was discovered just before her honeymoon. After surgery, further tests revealed additional tumors and a different type of cancer. Despite her struggles, she made a surprise appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in October 2023, engaging in a group dance.

The dancer credits the show with saving her life, as it prompted her to perform self-examinations after participating in a breast cancer charity walk in 2021. She stated, ‘For me, it’s my happy place. My heart is so happy to be back.’

After learning that the recent abnormalities were benign, Dowden expressed immense relief and excitement. She remarked, ‘to be back on the dancefloor will be super magical,’ emphasizing her appreciation for the support she received from the Strictly team throughout her recovery.

In light of recent controversies surrounding the show, including the departure of dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima due to behavioral allegations, Dowden chose to focus on celebrating her return rather than engage in the surrounding drama. ‘When you’ve been through what I’ve been through, you realize what’s important and what to focus on,’ she concluded.