Heartbroken Strictly Pro Reveals ‘Losing Everything’ in a Challenging Period

Amy Dowden has described feeling heartbroken and as if she was losing everything during a challenging period. The Strictly pro made the comments while promoting the Reborn 2.0 tour on James Martin’s Saturday Morning on April 11, 2026.

Medical journey and treatment

Dowden was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2023. She subsequently underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy.

Towards the end of 2025 she had a second mastectomy. She said the later operation was not for a new illness. Her doctors advised a different approach after further consultations.

Effect on work and recovery

The diagnosis forced her to miss important Strictly group rehearsals. She began gruelling chemotherapy just as professional dancers were preparing group numbers.

Dowden said losing access to dancing hit her hard. There were times she doubted she would return to the floor, and considered giving up.

She credits last year’s tour with helping restore her confidence and drive to perform again.

Support from colleagues

Fellow professional Carlos Gu joined Dowden on the ITV programme. He recalled supporting her through low moments when she felt uncertain and uncomfortable with herself.

Carlos praised her resilience and noted visible progress. He described her as a fighter and highlighted her positivity.

On Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, Carlos also called Dowden “so strong.” Thornton referenced her ongoing battles with Crohn’s disease and breast cancer, and her determination to keep dancing.

The candid interview highlighted Dowden’s openness about her cancer journey, reports Filmogaz.com. She continues touring and speaking publicly about recovery and resilience.