Quick Read
- Amy Dowden, Strictly Come Dancing professional, will undergo a second mastectomy this week.
- The surgery is precautionary, not due to a new cancer diagnosis.
- Dowden’s medical team expects a straightforward recovery.
- Her openness about cancer and Crohn’s disease has been widely praised.
- Strictly colleagues and fans have offered overwhelming support.
Amy Dowden’s Journey: Facing Cancer Head-On
Amy Dowden, beloved professional dancer on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has announced she will undergo a second mastectomy this week, continuing her candid dialogue about living with cancer and chronic illness. The news, shared with fans via Instagram, underscores Dowden’s unwavering transparency and courage as she navigates another major health milestone.
In her message, Dowden was quick to clarify: this surgery is not the result of a new cancer diagnosis. Instead, it’s a proactive step, guided by her “incredible” medical team, to bolster her long-term health. “They’re confident that, all going well, I can expect a straightforward recovery. Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family,” she wrote, expressing both optimism and longing for the dancefloor that’s become her second home (BBC).
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Open Conversation
Dowden’s journey with breast cancer began in May 2023, shortly after her honeymoon with fellow dancer Ben Jones. She found a lump in April, a discovery that would soon change the course of her life. Her diagnosis led to an initial mastectomy and rounds of chemotherapy, sidelining her from the 2023 Strictly series.
Throughout her treatment, Dowden made a point of documenting her experience publicly. She became a source of hope and information, sharing both the highs and lows with followers. In February 2024, her latest health check revealed “no evidence of disease,” a moment of relief but not a final chapter. Dowden herself noted that a five-year window is needed before she can be officially given the “all-clear.”
Her openness about cancer, as well as her ongoing battle with Crohn’s disease, has been depicted in BBC documentaries Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me and Strictly Amy: Crohn’s And Me. These stories have helped thousands better understand the realities of illness, both visible and invisible.
The Strictly Family: Messages of Support and Solidarity
News of Dowden’s upcoming surgery sent ripples of support through the Strictly community. Co-stars, friends, and fans rallied around her, flooding social media with messages of encouragement and admiration. Thomas Skinner, her partner on this year’s series, wrote, “Love ya Amy. Hope it all goes well. You are a legend.” Fellow professionals Karen Hauer, Dianne Buswell, and Jowita Przystal joined in, as did 2025 contestant Karen Carney and musician Tom Fletcher, who added, “All the love to you my wonderful friend.”
This outpouring of affection reflects not only Dowden’s popularity, but also the empathy at the heart of the show’s community. For many, Dowden’s openness makes her journey personal; her battles and victories resonate far beyond the ballroom.
Resilience Amid Change: Career Highlights and Setbacks
Despite her health challenges, Dowden has remained deeply connected to dance. After her first mastectomy and chemotherapy, she returned to the Strictly stage in 2024, partnered with former JLS star JB Gill. Though she was forced to pull out midway through the 20th anniversary series due to injury, she returned again this year, dancing alongside social media star Thomas Skinner.
Her elimination in week two was bittersweet. Yet, Dowden’s resilience—her ability to come back, again and again, despite adversity—has inspired many. Her professional achievements have not gone unnoticed: earlier this year, she was formally made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to fundraising and awareness about Crohn’s disease.
Public Perception: What Amy Means to Fans
Dowden’s story is one of perseverance, but also of representation. In a television landscape often focused on glamour and perfection, she’s introduced a new kind of heroism—one that acknowledges vulnerability, uncertainty, and the long road to recovery. Fans have responded in kind, echoing her honesty and drawing strength from her example.
As she prepares for her second mastectomy, Dowden continues to engage with her audience. “Of course, I’ll miss not being part of the show as much but will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on,” she posted. The sentiment is simple but powerful: even from a distance, her spirit remains part of the dance.
The Road Ahead: Recovery and Hope
The medical team overseeing Dowden’s care is confident in her recovery, and Dowden herself is determined to return to the world she loves. Her journey is a reminder of the realities many face after a cancer diagnosis: the battle often continues long after treatment ends, and the emotional toll can be as significant as the physical.
Dowden’s willingness to share her path—complete with setbacks, triumphs, and ordinary moments—has helped reframe what it means to “fight” illness. The support she receives is a testament to how public figures, by simply being honest, can foster a community of understanding and empathy.
As Strictly Come Dancing moves toward its final weeks, Dowden’s absence on stage will be felt. Yet, her presence—through words, through shared experience, and through the love of her colleagues—remains unmistakably strong.
Dowden’s journey highlights the importance of visibility, support, and open conversation around serious health issues. Her story is not defined by her diagnosis but by her strength and the community that surrounds her. As she faces another surgery, the ongoing encouragement from her Strictly family and fans proves that, sometimes, resilience is a collective achievement.