Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has revealed the emotional toll of her health battles — from breast cancer to injury — and how she’s now finding joy and purpose again on the dance floor.

The 35-year-old Welsh dancer, who celebrates her 10th year on Strictly in 2026, has endured a rollercoaster few years. In 2023, Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and a mastectomy, before triumphantly announcing her remission in February 2024.

But her path back to the ballroom wasn’t smooth. While partnered with JLS star JB Gill, Amy suffered a foot fracture and collapsed backstage, forcing her to withdraw. Reflecting on the challenges, she told Closer Magazine:

“By the end of 2024 I was mentally at rock bottom. I’d broken my bones, lost my hair, and my body had been through so much. I’d gained weight from treatment and while I never pressured myself about appearance, I lacked confidence. I thought Strictly would fix it, but then I had to pull out.”

At her lowest, Amy says she nearly gave up dancing altogether.

Now, brighter days are here. The star is preparing for the second leg of her Reborn tour alongside co-star and friend Carlos Gu, crediting dance with reigniting her spark.

“Dance is the therapy I didn’t realise I needed,” she shared. “Returning to the studio gave me a new lease of life.”

Amy also spoke about her second mastectomy in November, performed as a preventative measure after changes were spotted in her scans. She recalled the moment she awoke from surgery:

“I looked at my mum and thought, ‘Oh, it’s done.’ It was absolutely the right decision.”

Looking ahead to Strictly’s new series, Amy radiates confidence and excitement:

“I feel stronger and happier than ever. Being part of Strictly for my tenth year is a dream come true.”

Her journey — from rock bottom to rediscovering her joy in dance — is a powerful testament to resilience and the healing power of doing what you love.