her rocks
Emotional Amy Dowden praises Strictly ‘family’ for ‘coming to her rescue’ amid husband’s struggle with her cancer battle
The dancer gushed over her co-stars for their support
AMY Dowden has praised her Strictly "family" for "coming to her rescue" amid her husband's struggle with her cancer.
Emotional Amy, 33, appeared on The One Show this evening where she gushed over her co-stars for their support.
4
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent a full mastectomy and finished her chemotherapy at the end of 2023.
The ballroom dancer couldn't be more grateful that her colleagues have been there for her all the way through.
She explained: "They came to the rescue because I obviously I did get diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the series.
"And I gave them the call and it added to it and it was a lovely surprise for each of the contributors as well.
read more on amy dowden
"Dianne [Buswell] came along, Graziano [Di Prima], Carlos [Gu], Oti [Mabuse], it was brilliant.
"It's such a family, the Strictly family, it really is. We go to each other for everything."
The Welsh star recently revealed the brutal toll her cancer battle has taken on her husband Ben Jones and her secret plea to the BBC.
Amy said: “Since my diagnosis in May, he hasn’t taken a break.
Most read in TV
"He’s self-employed and works at our dance school. He’s been looking after me or working so he didn’t get a weekend off or a holiday or anything.
“Who goes from May to Christmas without a break at all? There was so much worry and anxiety that he had."
Strictly Amy's cancer 'nightmare'
The Sun's Jamie Downham takes a look at the beloved Strictly star's ups and downs...
AS Strictly Come Dancing viewers know, you'll struggle to catch Amy Dowden without a huge smile on her face.
But recently the Welsh star - one the best-rated Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers the UK has ever produced - has suffered a string of "nightmare" blows to her health.
She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year and underwent a full mastectomy, before having chemotherapy towards the end of 2023.
However, she later reported docs had found a clot on her lung, telling fans sadly: "Unfortunately I've had another nightmare this week."
Nonetheless, brave Amy, seen here dancing with James Bye, made an epic return to Strictly the following month with an appearance that left many viewers in floods tears.
As 2024 dawned, she admitted: "I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry."
However, she was soon smiling again. Amy, her hair starting to grow back after her cancer treatment, was seen messing around with her co-stars Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola on the Strictly tour earlier this month.
And despite another spell in hospital, she still mustered a cheeriness many would struggle for, telling fans: "The sun is shining - and I certainly can't wait for Spring."
And we certainly can't wait to see you dancing again, Amy...
She added to : “Everything has been so wrapped up around my hospital [appointments] and I think as a relationship, we haven’t had the time that we needed to as a husband and wife would.”
It comes just days after the star shared an emotional update on her cancer journey.
The star said: "NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE! Words I dreamed of! My biggest accomplishment yet!
"I won’t be getting the all clear for 5 years especially with a hormone fed cancer. But it was all worth it. Words I never thought I’d hear at one point.
"So grateful for all the care I received and continue to have.
To my husband, family and friends who supported me unconditionally and to you guys! Thank you!"
Amy continued: "I will still need a monthly injection for 5 years and regular check ups.
"Chemo and this past year has certainly took its toll on my body both physically and mentally, so I’ll be taking the next few months to heal and recover.
"I have so much to strive and live for, and so grateful for another chance at life! Something I know not all get. I certainly see life differently and my life has changed forever!
"Cancer affects too many so I will continue to do all I can to raise awareness and make sure I get as many as I can to #checkthemselves.
"It’s time to look ahead after what’s been the toughest year, and one I certainly didn’t expect!"
The incredible news came just days after Amy was rushed to hospital with respiratory problems.
Amy and Ben met in 2011, but kept their romance under wraps for a number of years.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
They got engaged in 2017 and tied the knot in 2022.
Amy joined Strictly in 2017.
Cancer types, signs and symptoms
Everything you need to know about different types of Cancer
Bowel cancer symptoms: What are they and when should I start to worry?
What is prostate cancer? Signs and symptoms of the condition
What are skin cancer symptoms and what does the disease look like?
How to check your breasts for signs of cancer
Stomach cancer: Symptoms, causes, and treatments
What is a brain tumour and what are the symptoms?
What does a cancerous mole look like?
What are esophageal cancer symptoms?
How to tell the difference between haemorrhoids and cancer
Are sunbeds safe and can they cause cancer?
What is glioblastoma and what are the symptoms?
4
4
4
Topics