Strictly’s Amy Dowden shares update after undergoing second mastectomy

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden shared a sweet update with fans after undergoing a second mastectomy just days ago, as she’s now home from hospital.

The professional dancer, 35, was diagnosed with cancer in May 2023 and underwent intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and a mastectomy. She shared updates online throughout, documenting the highs and the lows for fans.

Recently, Amy took another step in her recovery. While doctors confirmed there was no new diagnosis, her medical team advised that a second mastectomy was the best course of action.

Following the surgery, Amy informed her followers that it went well as she rested in her hospital bed.

And despite all she’s been through this week, Amy has proven her loyalty to Strictly once more, refusing to miss an episode no matter what.

Taking to her page on Saturday night, she shared a photo from her sofa, confirming that she had been discharged from hospital. The snap showed the beloved Welsh pro drinking tea, surrounded by flowers and loved ones as she tuned into the BBC show.

Her caption read: ‘Home, resting up, still got my drain in but rrrrrready for the best entertainment and medicine there is for me….. @bbcstrictly 💖🎀 good luck everyone. Cheering you all on from home! Lots of luck and love xxxxx’

The Strictly family were keen to send their love in the comments, with host Claudia Winkleman leaving a string of hearts.

‘Sending so much love ❤️❤️’, wrote Karen Carney, while Ross King added: ‘Take care, sending love and huge hugs. Xxx’

Amy’s post comes after she issued a message of support to her fans, thanking them post-surgery for the well-wishes.

Lying in bed post-surgery, still with a cannula in her hand, she wrote alongside the snap: ‘Feeling so much better this morning. Again can’t THANK YOU all enough for the well wishes, love and beautiful messages I’ve received. 

‘Not gone unnoticed and so appreciated. Welsh love to you all, always.’

She also previously said she was stil catching up with comments. Taking to Instagram on Thursday night, she wrote: ‘Thank you for all the messages and love. Sorry I’ve not replied to anyone, (only just looked at my phone).

‘Surgery went well and lots of sleep and resting up. Hubby & Family have been looking after me and the besties have turned up with the goods and nothing is stopping us from watching the traitors…keeping the tradition going 💖🎀🙏.’

Along with the update, she shared a few pictures of herself in a hospital gown, surrounded by her family.

She previously said that doctors had found no further sign of cancer in her body, but she wouldn’t get the official ‘all-clear’ until five years had passed.

While on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, she explained: ‘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. They’re confident that all will go well, and 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. Thank you always for all the support.’

Amy also said Strictly had saved her life, particularly when dancing with McFly’s Tom Fletcher in 2021.

‘Tom and (his wife) Giovanna worked very closely with breast cancer charities, and that is what led to me finding my tumour and being diagnosed with cancer,’ she explained.

‘Without Tom, I wouldn’t be here now.’

Amy was able to return to Strictly after her treatment, appearing in a group dance despite not being able to compete.

‘Strictly was amazing and still found a way for me to be part of the show,’ she said.

Holding back tears, she explained: ‘Being able to perform in that number gave me hope, and it was what I needed. It just was everything.’

This year, Amy returned and was paired with Thomas Skinner, but she and the controversial Apprentice star were the first to be booted off.

When asked by Tess Daly about their time on the show, Thomas said: ‘I’ve loved it. I’ve never danced before, and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing. It’s been great fun, and I’ve enjoyed it.

‘I can’t really dance that well, but I’ve had fun! Thank you, Amy—sorry that we haven’t done too good, ‘cause you’re a different class.’

A version of this article was first published on November 6, 2025.