Strictly’s Amy Dowden Reveals She’s Having a Second Mastectomy
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has told fans she’s undergoing another mastectomy this week, but reassured them that it isn’t because of a new cancer diagnosis.
The 35-year-old dancer shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram video, where she appeared with her dog and explained she wanted to be open about her health journey. “As you all know I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive,” she said. “So I’d like to start by being clear what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis. However following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided that I’ll be having another mastectomy this week. They’re confident that, all going well, I can expect a straightforward recovery.” She added that once she heals, she looks forward to rejoining her Strictly family, although she’ll miss being part of the show.
Amy was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023, just a day before leaving for her honeymoon with fellow dancer Ben Jones. She had a mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy, which kept her off Strictly that year. In early 2024, doctors found “no evidence of disease,” though she has spoken about how recovery remains an ongoing process.
After returning to Strictly last year and being forced to withdraw due to injury, Amy rejoined the cast this season with The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner. The pair were the first to be eliminated, something that Amy admitted left her “gutted” because she wanted to represent other cancer survivors. “I really wanted to represent cancer survivors – and I feel like I’ve let them down,” she said at the Women of the Year Awards. “But I keep telling myself, coming back onto Strictly and getting back on the dancefloor will show ladies and men there is life after a cancer diagnosis.”
Since revealing her surgery plans, Amy’s post has been flooded with supportive messages from friends and co-stars. Dianne Buswell wrote, “we love you Amy,” while Karen Hauer added, “Sending all the love.” Former partner Tom Fletcher shared, “All the love to you my wonderful friend,” and Thomas Skinner commented, “Love ya Amy. Hope it all goes well. You are a legend.”
Amy, who was awarded an MBE earlier this year for her fundraising and advocacy work, continues to use her platform to raise awareness about both breast cancer and Crohn’s disease, which she also lives with. She regularly visits her oncology ward for monthly treatments and says dancing has helped her stay positive.
