Copyright walesonline
Amy Dowden has disclosed when she plans to return to Strictly Come Dancing after announcing her upcoming surgery. The television personality, 35, who has featured on the popular BBC show as a professional dancer since 2017, was forced to step back following her cancer diagnosis in May 2023, before making a full-time comeback earlier this year only to be eliminated first alongside Apprentice candidate Tom Skinner. Amy shared this weekend how she confronted mortality during her challenging cancer journey and confessed she initially 'feared the worst' before finally receiving the all-clear in February 2024, then disclosed earlier this week that she will undergo another mastectomy . The performer was swift to clarify that this decision wasn't due to a fresh cancer diagnosis but followed a consultation with her "incredible" medical team, and has now informed supporters when they can anticipate her return to television. In a new video shared on Instagram, she stated: "Hello everyone, I just wanted to come on and just say a massive thank you for the love and support, all the messages, comments I've received today." Providing further updates to fans, the Lorraine presenter is optimistic about returning to the ballroom by this time next year. She commented: "It's been so overwhelming, and so so kind of you all. I'm going into this really fit, really strong, really positive. "I'm going to do all I can to get back with my Strictly family as soon as I can and I'm going to make sure I dance my way through 2026," she confirmed. In a recent Instagram post confirming the mastectomy, the Welsh performer 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 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. Thank you always for all the support." Her Strictly colleagues and supporters flooded her with messages of encouragement, reports the Mirror . "We love you Amy," commented professional dancer Dianne Buswell, while Tom Fletcher, who was paired with her in 2021, added: "All the love to you my wonderful friend. X." A mastectomy involves surgically removing all or part of a breast tissue. The procedure is typically carried out to treat breast cancer or as a preventative measure for those at high risk, the NHS states. The professional dancer's world was turned upside down in May 2023 when she received her initial breast cancer diagnosis aged 32, and has subsequently emerged as one of Britain's most prominent campaigners for early cancer screening. She had previously had a mastectomy and chemotherapy following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, which prevented her from taking part in that year's BBC dancing programme. She chronicled her cancer journey online, and disclosed in February 2024 that her most recent medical examination showed "no evidence of disease". In 2024, she made her comeback to the programme, dancing alongside former JLS member JB Gill, but was compelled to withdraw from Strictly partway through the 20th anniversary series because of an injury, with Lauren Oakley stepping in as her replacement. Speaking to OK! on Sunday, she revealed that whilst she initially wanted to retreat from everyone and everything whilst fearing the worst, Amy recognised that by being open about her experience, she might potentially save someone else's life through advocacy and sharing her story. She said: "Since my own breast cancer diagnosis, I want to do everything that I can to raise awareness and get the message out there to help others. I'm so proud to be on the other side of my diagnosis now. I'm finally feeling like myself again. "I'm finally Amy again. I'm happy in my life now. But the blow of having cancer and everything you go through throughout your diagnosis is something that never leaves you." Amy explained: "I never thought cancer would happen to me. Cancer, unfortunately, doesn't discriminate and sadly more and more people at such a young age are being diagnosed with breast cancer." Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday at 6.25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
