Amy Dowden spoke out about her future on Strictly Come Dancing after sharing a recent health update, following her breast cancer ordeal
Amy Dowden has opened up about her Strictly Come Dancing future, following a turbulent few years with her health. The Welsh dancer has graced the BBC ballroom since 2017, partnering with several celebrities throughout her stint. Yet the last two series have presented obstacles out of her control.
In 2024, Amy enjoyed promising progress with JB Gill before being forced to step away from the competition due to illness. This setback followed her courageous return after undergoing treatment for stage three breast cancer, which involved both chemotherapy and a mastectomy.
Her comeback continued last year, though her pairing with Thomas Skinner proved fleeting as the duo faced elimination in the first week.
The 35-year-old insists she is still awaiting confirmation about her Strictly future, though revealed the heartfelt reason she is more determined than ever to return to the show.
In conversation with The Metro, she explained: “If I’m asked back, I’d love to get to Blackpool on Strictly to prove to myself that I’m back to where I was before cancer. So I’d love to enjoy my tenth year on Strictly, then do some presenting down the line and one day maybe even join the judging panel.”
Questioned about her potential judging style, Amy remarked: “I’d be a nice Strictly judge – fair, honest and sympathetic.”
These comments follow the dancer’s recent emotional health update. In an Instagram update last month, Amy shared a powerful comparison photograph – one image capturing her during gruelling fortnightly chemotherapy sessions, contrasted with a recent snap.
Her caption read: “This was me during intense, tough fortnightly chemo, and this is #thisismenow – feeling happier, stronger and more confident than ever.”
She continued: “I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. Almost one million people are living with or beyond breast cancer in the UK.”
Amy urged fellow survivors to share their journeys to highlight the true face of the illness, writing: “@breastcancernow won’t stop until there’s a future where everyone with breast cancer lives and lives well. Join me in supporting them until it’s Breast Cancer Never.”
February 2024 brought good news for Amy when her scans revealed “no evidence of disease”, although she remains under careful medical supervision while in remission. Beyond her cancer battle, Amy also manages Crohn’s disease and has previously overcome sepsis and a broken foot.
Meanwhile, the BBC is yet to announce which professional dancers will feature on Strictly Come Dancing this year. The broadcaster has confirmed that Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk won’t be returning for the 2026 series.
Veteran professional Karen addressed her exit with an emotional message to supporters, stating: “After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I’m passionate about.
“Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being.”
She continued by praising the “incredible people” she has encountered during her time on the programme, including her celebrity partners, while expressing gratitude to supporters for their unwavering support.
Amy appears on Celebrity Bridge of Lies today at 5.40pm on BBC One.
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