Heartbroken: Strictly Star Amy Dowden’s EMOTIONAL Promise to Return After Emergency Surgery — and What She Said About Her Future Will Melt Hearts

Amy Dowden with a surprised expression.

Amy Dowden thanked fans and followers for their support after she announced news of her emergency surgeryCredit: Instagram

Amy Dowden posing in a light blue two-piece fringed and sequined outfit, with confetti falling around her.

The Strictly pro had been a part of this year’s series, and was partnered up with Thomas SkinnerCredit: BBC
Amy took to Instagram to thank fans for their outpouring of support following her health update, and has revealed she plans to “dance my way through 2026” as she gears up for her emergency op.

In a video shared on her story, she said: “Hello everyone, I just wanted to come on and just say a massive thank you for the love and support, all the messages, comments I’ve received today.

“It’s been so overwhelming, and so so kind of you all.

“I’m going into this really fit, really strong, really positive.

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“I’m going to do all I can to get back with my Strictly family as soon as I can and I’m going to make sure I dance my way through 2026”.

The Strictly star revealed she would undergo a second mastectomy “this week”, in an emotional Instagram post, sharing that she wanted to be “open” with her followers.

Her post read: “As you all know I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive.

“So I’d like to start by being clear that 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.

‘Devastated’ Strictly star rushed to hospital with mystery illness

“Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family.”

Amy added: “Of course I’m going to miss not being there so much but I will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on. Thank you always for all the support.”

Fans rushed to send messages, with one writing: “Sending you lots of love for a speedy recovery.”

And someone else said: “Oh Amy I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. Wishing you all the best with the surgery and your recovery.”

She was first diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023, and underwent an initial mastectomy.

Then just a couple of months later she was told she had another type of cancer, which was found elsewhere in the body.

Amy Dowden, bald and smiling, in a purple shirt.

Amy was previously diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and underwent treatment including a mastectomy, forcing her to miss the BBC hit show that yearCredit: BBC

Two dancers perform on a stage with a disco-themed background, surrounded by pink smoke.

The professional dancer was part of this year’s Strictly with Thomas Skinner, but didn’t make it too far after he became the first celeb to be booted off the showCredit: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire
In August 2024, her return to Strictly was thrown into chaos when doctors raised concerns about abnormalities in her breast following a check-up, yet she was thankfully given the all clear.

 

Amy was paired with Apprentice star Thomas Skinner for this year’s show.

But Tom, 34, became the first celebrity to get the boot after a dance off with rugby star Chris Robshaw.

A woman smiling while holding a mug with a cancer awareness ribbon on it, with a dog resting on her lap.

Amy stressed clearly to fans that her surgery was not to treat a new cancer diagnosisCredit: instagram/amy_dowden