Strictly Come Dancing favourite Amy Dowden has revealed she was forced to pull out of the hit BBC show after doctors advised her to undergo emergency surgery — marking another emotional chapter in her long fight against breast cancer.
The beloved professional dancer, 35, who has been courageously open about her health battles, confirmed on Instagram that she will have a second mastectomy this week.
She assured fans that this procedure is not due to a new cancer diagnosis but rather a further step in her treatment and recovery plan.
“As you all know, I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive,” Amy wrote in a heartfelt message shared alongside a clip of her sitting with her dog.
“So I’d like to start by being clear that what I’m 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.”
“Once I have healed, I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family. Of course, I’m going to miss not being there so much, but I’ll be watching from home and cheering everyone on. Thank you always for all the support. Welsh love, Amy xxx.”
A Silent Struggle Behind the Glitter
Amy, who was partnered with Apprentice star Thomas Skinner earlier this season, had quietly stepped away from the show before revealing the true reason — her need for urgent surgery.
Fans were quick to send their love after the emotional announcement, as fellow Strictly pros Karen Hauer, Jowita Przystal, and Dianne Buswell filled her comments section with hearts and messages of support.
“Sending all the love,” wrote Karen.
“We love you, Amy,” added Dianne.
One fan echoed the nation’s feelings: “Oh Amy, I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this again. Wishing you strength and love for your surgery and recovery.”
From Diagnosis to Determination
The Welsh-born dancer’s journey began in May 2023, when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.
She underwent an initial mastectomy, months of chemotherapy, and faced terrifying complications, including sepsis — an infection that nearly took her life.
Just weeks later, doctors discovered another type of cancer in her body, adding another cruel twist to her already grueling fight.
By August 2024, Amy had returned to Strictly, but her comeback was interrupted again when new abnormalities were found during a routine check-up.
Thankfully, further scans gave her the all clear.
Now, as she prepares for another major operation, Amy remains determined to return stronger than ever — and to dance again.
Strictly Family Rallies Around Her
Her fellow pros and co-stars have surrounded her with love.
Messages poured in from across the entertainment world, with one Strictly insider saying:
“Amy’s strength and positivity are incredible. Even while she’s been in and out of hospitals, she’s been cheering for the others. She’s the heart of the Strictly family.”
It’s not yet clear if Amy will recover in time to appear during the show’s December finale, but BBC executives have reportedly told her she’ll “always have a place waiting” whenever she’s ready to return.
Life Imitates the Documentary
Amy’s story was earlier chronicled in her powerful BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, which captured her raw, emotional journey from diagnosis to her first tentative dance steps after surgery.
In one heartbreaking scene, she confessed her biggest fear wasn’t the illness — but losing her job on Strictly.
“When I had to tell Strictly, I was asking, ‘Can I keep my job?’ because that was the scariest thing,” she said. “To dance at this level, you have to be as fit as an athlete.”
The film showed Amy confronting her insecurities as she adjusted to her reconstructed breast and returning to the dance floor just weeks after major surgery.
“I didn’t look at my breast for two weeks,” she admitted. “I had to do it with the nurse. I was scared — what if I didn’t like what I saw?”
A Fighter to the End
Despite her hardships, Amy continues to inspire millions of fans across the world. Her honesty and strength have turned her into one of the most beloved figures on British television — not just a dancer, but a symbol of hope.
“I just want to show there’s life after cancer,” she once said — and she’s proving it every single day.
For now, the Glitterball Trophy will have to wait. But for Amy Dowden, every heartbeat and every smile is already a victory worth celebrating. 
