Strictly’s Amy Dowden on ‘Breast Cancer battle’ for BBC One

The programme will air on BBC One this Monday…

“For me, dancing has always got me through the darkest times. When I’m dancing, I forget all my worries, stresses and pain in life. It’s where I’m happiest.

“When you’re told you’ve got cancer, in those words, in a click of the fingers, your life changes. You have everything stripped away from you. I had my dancing took away from me what I love most in the world. Strictly is something I worked all my life for, and I wasn’t going to let cancer stop me from going back. Recovering from chemo was grim, it was awful. But the desire of being back on the dancefloor was what kept me motivated and determined.” – Amy Dowden

In May 2023, Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden was given the earth-shattering news she had breast cancer. In an instant, life was put on hold and thrown into uncertainty. It was the day before her honeymoon when she discovered a lump, and shortly after, her fears were confirmed.

She and her husband Ben had hoped to one day start a family. Later that year, she had been due to return to Strictly – a show she had dreamed of being part of since she was a girl. Instead, she faced the most turbulent year of her life and a battle for her health, fertility, and to dance again.

This deeply personal documentary follows Amy from just six days after her diagnosis. She took the brave decision to share her experiences, whatever unfolded, in the hope of helping others understand the reality of cancer at a young age. Amy never expected it would happen to her at 32.

“There are so many women out there going through treatment, I want them to know they’re not alone. Get people to understand the pressures on couples to have children and that it’s not always easy and possible. The trolling online, to educate trollers. But most importantly, to get people checking themselves. You know your own body, it doesn’t even have to be a lump on your chest. If there’s something not right, to go to your GP. Early detection can save lives. And if you’re not checking, who is?” – Amy Dowden

Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, BBC One, 8pm, Monday 26 August

Programme Name: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 / BBC ONE