Strictly stars support Amy Dowden in breast cancer battle

Amy Dowden on the red carpet wearing a silky, strappy green dress

Amy Dowden has revealed she is battling breast cancer. (Image credit: Getty)

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has revealed that she is battling breast cancer after being diagnosed at the age of 32.

The professional dancer has become a huge fan favorite since joining the show back in 2017.

Welsh-born Amy has been partnered with some big names such as author and McFly star Tom Fletcher, TV presenter and Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers, and most recently with EastEnders actor James Bye for Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

Amy shared the heartbreaking news about her diagnosis on her Instagram page, telling fans: "Hey all, I've got some news which isn't easy to share. I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but I'm determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it."

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Amy, who got married to her long-term partner last summer in a beautiful star-studded wedding, was showered with love and support from her Strictly co-stars and friends.

Oti Mabuse commented: "Sending you love and power and all the strength 😍😍😍 - you’re such an incredible woman 💖 love you Amy!"

While fellow Strictly professional Johannes Radebe added: "Sending you love and strength Darling Amy. ❤️"

EastEnders star Emma Barton, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 said: "Sending love and strength Amy! You are a superstar and strong and brave! Thinking of you ❤️" While fellow Walford favourite Jamie Borthwick added: "Sending a lot of love & strength darl! …. You 100% got this not even a question ❤️"

Former Hollyoaks and Strictly star Gemma Atkinson, who is also in a relationship with Stricktly professional Gorka Márquez also sent her love and support to the star: "We’re all Fighting behind you all the way Amy!!!!! 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼 Sending so much love to you ❤️❤️"

James Bye & Amy Dowden in Strictly Come Dancing 2022 — Amy was partnered with EastEnders star James Bye for Strictly 2022. (Image credit: BBC)

It has been reported by Hello Magazine that following her wedding to husband Ben Jones, Amy found a lump in her breast before going on her honeymoon.

Amy, who has also been living with the chronic condition Crohn's Disease since childhood, told the publication: "I've been through quite a lot in my life and this is another hurdle, but if I'm positive and strong, I've got a really good chance of getting back out on the dancefloor as soon as possible."

Hoping that sharing her news publically will help others also going through something similar, Amy added: "With what I've done for Crohn’s, I want to do the same here. If I can try and turn this negative into a positive, it's going to help me get through this."

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.