Strictly’s Amy Dowden kicks off new TV role just days after huge cancer treatment update

Virgin Radio

27 Feb 2024, 10:55

Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden has started a new chapter after receiving a major update in her cancer journey. 

The dancer has begun her presenting role on ITV’s Lorraine today (27th February) and she’ll be hosting celebrity interviews and behind the scenes content. 

Joining Lorraine Kelly on her eponymous daytime show, Amy shared her thanks for the new opportunity. 

“What a difference just a couple of months makes,” she said.

The Welsh dancer was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023, and was consequently unable to take part in the latest series of Strictly.

Earlier this month, Amy was thrilled to share that she now has “no evidence of disease” after undergoing chemotherapy treatment. 

Taking to Instagram, the Welsh star shared a radiant photo of herself with arms raised and a beaming smile, Amy captioned the post: "NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE! Words I dreamed of! My biggest accomplishment yet!"

Now, Amy is looking to the future, and has five years to go before she’s officially cancer free. 

She added: “I was so worried that it had spread to the bones. I’ve got this spring in my step, a smile on my face. I’ll need to go back to the chemo ward once a month for an injection. It’s a brutal injection. I've got a hormone-fed cancer, so if that keeps my hormones at bay and stops feeding it, then it’s worthwhile.

“I’ve got another shot of life. I’m so grateful and happy and I wake up every day and say ‘thank you’ because not everyone gets to do it.

On whether she will be returning to Strictly later this year, Amy revealed, “I would love to return, to be back with my Strictly family. It’s what makes my dancing heart happy, so that’s the goal. Obviously we don’t know yet who’s back, but that is the dream.”

She continued: “I haven’t danced since May, it’s the longest time. I know it’s going to be a long process to get back on that dance floor, but I know I’ll enjoy every step of the way, too.

“The Strictly family has and always has and always will hold a special place in my heart.”

Amy also discussed the devastating loss of fellow Strictly professional Robin Windsor, who passed away aged 44 last week. 

“He is such a beautiful soul,” she shared. “I know it’s made a huge impact on the family at Strictly. I just hope he knows how loved he was. He made the whole room light up. I loved watching him perform.”

Watch Lorraine weekdays from 9am on ITV1 & ITVX