Amy Dowden of Strictly Come Dancing: Unwavering Spirit After Cancer

Strictly Come Dancing personality Amy Dowden has discussed her experience with cancer and her impending return to the dance floor as she prepares for an upcoming tour, also revealing the personal mantra that supported her throughout her treatment. The performer articulated how dancing has shaped her identity and provided her with the passion and determination to manage a treatment regimen that proved more challenging than she had anticipated. “Dancing is my life. It’s everything,” the Caerphilly-born dancer stated. “It’s been my saviour. It’s taught me so much. And I believe it’s made me who I am today.” Dowden and fellow dancer Carlos Gu are set to launch their tour, Reborn, in Birmingham this March. Following Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing final, which saw comedian Chris McCausland, the show’s first blind contestant, crowned this year’s champion, Dowden characterized the program as an “incredible, magical show”. Dowden was compelled to withdraw from the current series in November due to a foot injury, a setback that occurred after she had already missed the previous series following her breast cancer diagnosis. She commented: “Dancing this year on Strictly Come Dancing meant everything. Since those words ‘sorry Amy, you’ve got cancer’, my goal was to get back on Strictly, back on the dance floor.” “Then to have it taken away from me with a foot injury was just devastating.” After Dowden’s withdrawal, Birmingham-based professional dancer Lauren Oakley stepped in to partner with Dowden’s partner JB Gill, and the pair successfully reached the final. Dowden mentioned it was “brilliant” to cheer them on and now, having completed her cancer treatment, she awakens daily “blessed to see that sun rise again”. It was announced earlier this week that the 34-year-old would rejoin Strictly Come Dancing for its live tour, which is scheduled to open at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on 17 January. Gu, who provided support to Dowden during her treatment, expressed his profound sadness upon her diagnosis and his pride in witnessing her persistent resolve. He remarked: “The determination, the strength in herself was overwhelming. It was just beautiful to see.” He further added that the experience had transformed her into a “more incredible” version of herself due to her ordeal, concluding: “I’m really, really proud.” As the duo prepares for the new tour, commencing on 10 March in Birmingham at the Symphony Hall, Dowden stated: “This is lovely opening here because this is my home.” The performer, who manages the Cradley Heath-based Art in Motion dance studio for students aged two and above, confirmed that her dance pupils, friends, and family would be present. She conveyed her enjoyment of teaching dance but also her desire to instill the correct attitude, urging her students to “always stay true to yourself and don’t give up”. She is also actively involved in “giving back to the charities that have saved my life”. Gu explained that the show’s inspiration stemmed from both their personal journeys: Dowden’s battle with cancer and his own relocation from China to the UK, where he has been adapting to a new way of life. “We both feel reborn basically,” Dowden commented. She elaborated that the production – which incorporates dance styles from Latin and ballroom to Flamenco and the Argentine Tango – guides the audience through an emotional narrative inspired by their personal challenges, while also showcasing their joy and the uplifting moments they have experienced. She also highlighted the importance of having a specific goal to pursue. “I say that to anybody who’s got a new diagnosis,” Dowden affirmed. “Whether it’s working towards a holiday, returning to work, a visit in some way or whatever it is – have that little goal to really push yourself.” She further explained: “I used to tick everything off – every chemo, tick; every blood test appointment, tick; every oncologist [and] rescan – everything was a little tick along the way.” Dowden underwent treatment for stage-three breast cancer in 2023. Following chemotherapy and a mastectomy, she announced in February that subsequent tests indicated she had “no evidence of disease”. She expressed the pair’s hope that audiences would find their new show uplifting and inspiring, adding: “I hope to show them my motto.” “Don’t get bitter, get better.”