Top News

Strictly's Amy Dowden on 'losing everything' amid 'really tough' health ordeal
Reach Daily Express | April 11, 2026 10:39 PM CST

Amy Dowden has spoken candidly about her cancer diagnosis, revealing she "lost everything".

The Strictly professional was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2023 and subsequently underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy. In late 2025, Amy revealed she had to have a second mastectomy, clarifying it wasn't to treat a new illness, but represented a fresh course of action following consultations with her medical team.

Since her diagnosis, Amy has been remarkably open about her cancer journey. On Saturday (April 11), Amy appeared on James Martin's Saturday Morning alongside fellow pro Carlos Gu to discuss their Reborn 2.0 tour.

The conversation on the ITV programme quickly turned to Amy's battle with cancer. She admitted: "It was a really tough time.

"At the time I was starting chemotherapy, all the Strictly pros were getting together to do the group numbers, they were announcing the celebs and I should have been there but instead I started gruelling chemotherapy.", reports Wales Online.

Amy continued: "It was really hard. I had what I love most, taken away from me after I worked all my life to get onto that show.

"There were many a time as you [Carlos] knew that I didn't think I was going to make it back to the dance floor, I was going to give up. But this guy got me in the studio and it was the tour last year that gave me my confidence back."

Carlos then interjected, adding: "Sometimes she would come to mine crying not knowing what she was going forward to and she wasn't really comfortable with herself."

Amy added: "I lost everything." Carlos continued: "She fought for it and I can see all the progress she did. She's a fighter!"

Earlier this week, Carlos also spoke warmly of Amy, heaping praise on her for being "so strong". While discussing his tour on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast, Kate remarked: "It's about rebirths isn't it, why was that so important for you both? Because, obviously, Amy has her own story of ongoing challenges, God love her."

Carlos responded: "I know, this woman, she is so strong." Kate went on to highlight that throughout the Strictly star's battles with Crohn's disease and breast cancer, she "doesn't stop battling, trying and dancing". Applauding his co-star, he replied: "No never, she's so positive."

James Martin's Saturday Kitchen airs every Saturday at 10:30am on ITV1.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK