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Amy Dowden has been flooded with support as she shared a sweet video about her Strictly Come Dancing journey 'so far' as she prepares to take some time out. The professional dancer announced this week that she will be absent from upcoming episodes of the hit dance show as she undergoes a second cancer surgery. Amy was first diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2023 after finding a lump in her breast ahead of her honeymoon with her husband, Ben Jones. She went on to undergo a single mastectomy and gruelling chemotherapy treatment, facing a life-threatening battle with sepsis along the way, before being told there was "no evidence of disease" in February 2024. But this week, Amy confirmed that she would be undergoing a second mastectomy, but made it clear it was not to treat a new cancer, but a decision made between her and her medical team following a recent appointment. She said in a statement: "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 that 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." It was then during Wednesday night’s (November 5) episode of It Takes Two, a video package played of Amy, who competed with Thomas Skinner on the programme this year before their early exit, looking back on her time on Strictly, since joining the programme in 2017. When it comes to the partners she’s had on Strictly over the years, Amy highlighted her time with McFly’s Tom Fletcher, with the pair eliminated during musicals week in 2021 following a dance-off with Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu. She went on to reveal that her partnership with Tom ‘ultimately saved her life’ due to charity work he was taking part in. She explained: "Tom and Giovanna [Falcone, Tom’s wife] worked very closely with breast cancer charities and that is what led to me finding my tumour and was diagnosed with cancer. Without Tom, I wouldn’t be here now." Amy has since shared the segment on her Instagram page, and wrote: "Thank you it takes two. Loved looking back on my strictly memories so far @bbcstrictly #strictly #ittakestwo." Giovanna was quick to respond, as she commented: "Gaaaaaah… and to think the first time we spoke after you two being paired I was actually on a @coppafeel trek!!!! So happy you came into our lives!!" And fans were also quick to show Amy their support. @strictlycariad said: "So beyond proud of you ames. loved this little segment so much. the most inspiring & incredible woman ever. we love you." @jowitasdowden wrote: "Always so so proud of you Amy. You’re such an inspirational woman." @strictlyscarlos commented: "Loved this. It's been incredible to watch your journey so far!!" @courtneeybain replied: "SO proud of you and so lucky to have supported you for the past 8 years, it’s flownnnn by! Love you so much always." @angelinaballerina1607 added: "You are so so incredible, this little segment tonight was so beautiful."
