HEARTFELT TRIBUTE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden SHARES DEEPLY MOVING UPDATE – Earning Admiration from Lorraine Kelly
Amy Dowden has shared a heartfelt homage to her father on a milestone day, expressing that he ‘sacrificed everything’ for his family.
The Strictly Come Dancing favourite, gearing up for another dazzling season in the ballroom along with two new professionals, took to Instagram on Friday (August 8) to celebrate her dad, Richard’s birthday and his step into retirement.
The BBC star, who has openly expressed gratitude for her parents’ unwavering support throughout her dance career and her recent battle with breast cancer, posted a series of snaps showcasing their close bond.
She kicked off with a sweet photo of Richard by her side on her wedding day, as she exchanged vows with fellow dancer Ben Jones, reports The Manchester Evening News.
In her post, Amy commented: “Happy birthday, HAPPY RETIREMENT DAD! I’m so happy you’re finally going to get the rest you so deserve! I’m so proud your my dad! Since I can remember you showed us what hard work, dedication, commitment and loyalty to your family truly is.
“Everything you did was for us. I couldn’t have had a better role model to look up to. You sacrificed everything and devoted your life to your family. Can’t wait to celebrate you! Enjoy a well deserved retirement. Love you like everyone who meets you! See you later dad xxx @richard_dowden.”
Messages of affection and encouragement quickly poured in with one person commenting: “Lovely moments. Happiest birthday and a well-earned retirement to your wonderful dad.”
Someone else wrote: “Wonderful photos – Happy Birthday and Retirement day to your Dad.” Another person remarked: “Such lovely photos, your folks look wonderful. Happy Retirement to your dad.”
While one fan expressed: “Lovely photos. Happy Birthday and Retirement to your lovely dad.” Someone else declared: “Beautiful photos happy birthday and retirement to your Dad.”
With another chiming in: “Fabulous pictures! Wishing you a very happy retirement day Richard’. Have a lovely time celebrating with your lovely family.”
This follows Amy revealing it has been ‘quite the journey’ since her cancer diagnosis as she marked two years since beginning treatment for the illness.
The Welsh performer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, subsequently undergoing a single mastectomy and chemotherapy.
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Later, in February 2024, she informed fans that there was “no evidence of disease” and battled back to rejoin Strictly for the 2024 series, where she was paired with JLS member JB Gill.
The duo were progressing well in the contest, but Amy sustained a foot injury, unconnected to her previous health struggles, forcing her withdrawal from the competition and leaving her devastated.
As the 2025 series of BBC One’s dance extravaganza looms, Amy has been spotted perfecting her moves with fellow professionals, yet she’s constantly reminded of her past battles.
Amy took to Instagram to post a poignant video from two years prior, filmed during her treatment and featured in her BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.
The emotional footage shows the 34-year-old dancer tearfully entering the hospital to commence her treatment. Accompanying the video, the Welsh dancer reflected: “Two years ago today, I’ve been reminded.
“I’m honestly feeling stronger, happier and HEALTHIER than ever! So grateful and just want to remind those who need – this too shall pass. I’m forever grateful and don’t ever take for granted how I’m feeling. This a reminder to live life to the fullest and to remember to check yourself. If you aren’t who is going to? Early detection can save lives.”
Following the throwback, Amy shared an uplifting recent snap of herself radiating joy in dance rehearsals. She captioned the image: “To now, living my best life in rehearsals.
“Be patient, be kind to yourself, and celebrate all the wins along the way. It’s been quite the journey and process to get here and certainly not easy at times but I’m so glad I pushed through and my love for dance is MORE than ever (didn’t know that even was possible, but it is!)
Strictly Come Dancing is set to air on BBC One later this year.
