Amy Dowden has given a fresh update on her health after being forced to drop out of Strictly Come Dancing to undergo a mastectomy and recover from the procedure
20:28, 29 Nov 2025Updated 20:29, 29 Nov 2025
Amy Dowden has opened up about her latest health challenge(Image: It Takes Two/BBC)
Amy Dowden has given a health update after dropping out early on Strictly Come Dancing this year. The 35-year-old professional dancer has batted cancer and severe infection in recent years.
The Welsh star, who has featured among the dancers of Strictly since 2017, chronicled her health battles after revealing in May 2023 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. While Amy was told by doctors in February 2024 that there was “no sign of the disease”, she has continued to undergo medical treatments.
Earlier this month, Amy revealed that she was undergoing another mastectomy – but stated that the procedure had not been prompted by a new cancer diagnosis. And appearing on The One Show on Friday, Amy opened up more about her recent operation.
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The Strictly star underwent a mastectomy earlier this month(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Amy was paired with Thomas Skinner for the 2025 season – but they were the first to be eliminated(Image: PA)
Show host Alex Jones asked: “We know you’ve had another op. How are you feeling?” The Strictly star then revealed: “Do you know I’m feeling really well. Thank you.”
Opening up about the surgery, Amy said: “Three weeks ago yesterday, I had another mastectomy. The first week to 10 days, a bit rough, but every day feeling better and stronger.”
She continued: “I’m just itching now to go back on the dance floor when I’m fully recovered. Obviously, I’m not gonna rush it, but yeah, doing really well. Thank you.”
Alex then added, “You look at a picture of health. As always.” While co-host Clara said: “Eyes are sparkling. So delighted to have you here.”
Earlier this year, Amy was thrilled to be announced as a main dancer in the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing for the 2025 season. She was paired with Apprentice star Tom Skinner – only to be the first contestants to be cut from the series.
While professional dancers remain on the series to participate in dance routines, Amy was forced to drop out to undergo her latest surgery.
Discussing her health in a post shared on Instagram earlier this month, she wrote: “As you all know I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive. So I’d like to start by being clear what I am 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.”
She continued: “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 will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on.”
Amy added: “Thank you always for all the support.”
The dancer has also explained that she hopes to be able to return to Strictly in 2026 – however, the show itself is in crisis as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman both announced they are quitting the series after the current season.
After years of scandal, some fans fear the show could be nearing the end of its natural run – with viewing figures continuing to drop in recent years.
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