The Strictly Come Dancing family has been left heartbroken after fan-favourite Amy Dowden, 35, confirmed she’s been forced to withdraw from the current BBC series for emergency surgery.

In a deeply emotional post to Instagram, the Welsh dancer revealed that doctors have advised her to undergo another mastectomy, just two years after her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. But the brave star insists this is not a new cancer diagnosis — only a necessary step in her ongoing recovery.

“Hey everyone,” Amy began softly in her video message, filmed from her sofa with her dog curled beside her.

“As you all know, I’ve always been very open about my health. I want to make it clear — what I’m about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis.”

Her voice wavered slightly before she continued:

“Following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided I’ll be having another mastectomy this week. Thankfully, my doctors are confident I can expect a straightforward recovery. Once I’ve healed, I’ll rejoin my Strictly family. I’ll miss everyone so much — but I’ll be cheering from home.”

She ended her message simply:

“Thank you for all your love and support. Welsh love, Amy xxx.”

💪 A Fighter to the End

For Amy, this setback marks another emotional chapter in a battle that has inspired millions.

In May 2023, she stunned fans by revealing she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy, and later revealed that doctors had discovered another type of cancer elsewhere in her body.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Amy fought her way back to the dance floor — making a triumphant return to Strictly in 2024. However, her comeback was interrupted when a routine check-up raised new concerns. Thankfully, the tests came back clear.

This time, Amy says, the decision to undergo surgery isn’t about fear — it’s about taking control of her health and future.

💬 “Strictly Is My Family”

Amy, who was partnered with The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner this season, was the first to be eliminated from the competition — but her spirit continued to shine both on and off the dance floor.

Now, with this latest health update, she’s focusing on healing and returning stronger than ever.

“I can’t wait to rejoin my Strictly family,” she wrote. “Of course I’ll miss being there — but I’ll be watching and cheering every week.”

Her words struck a chord across the Strictly community, with colleagues and fans flooding her comments with love.

🌹 An Outpouring of Love

Messages poured in from her Strictly co-stars and fans alike.

Karen Hauer wrote: “Sending all the love, always.”

Jowita Przystal added: “Sending you lots of love, beautiful Amy.”

Dianne Buswell commented simply: “We love you, Amy.”

One fan wrote:

“Oh Amy, I’m so sorry you’re going through this again. Wishing you all the best with surgery and a smooth recovery. Lots of love.”

Another shared:

“You’re an inspiration. Keep fighting, beautiful soul.”

🎗️ A Story of Strength and Survival

Amy has long been admired for her honesty about illness and body image. In her moving BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, she shared her emotional journey from diagnosis to remission — including the fears, scars, and strength it took to return to the show she loves.

“When I told Strictly about my cancer, the first thing I asked was, ‘Can I keep my job?’” she admitted.
“Because to dance at that level, you have to be as fit as an athlete.”

In one heartbreaking moment, she spoke to co-star Dianne Buswell about the difficulty of facing her new body after surgery:

“It all happened so fast — two weeks after surgery and I was thrown back into a whirlwind of emotions. I couldn’t even look at my breast for two weeks. When I finally did, I had to do it with a nurse beside me. I was terrified… What if I didn’t like what I saw?”

🌈 Still Dancing in Spirit

Although Amy may not be gliding across the ballroom this season, her story is far from over. She remains a beloved symbol of courage, transparency, and hope — a woman determined to keep inspiring others no matter how many times life tests her.

Her fans know one thing for certain: the Strictly stage won’t feel complete until Amy Dowden returns.

And when she does, she won’t just be dancing — she’ll be living proof that strength, grace, and love can overcome even the darkest battles.

💐 “I’ve had to fight — but I’m still here, and I’ll dance again.” — Amy Dowden