Amy Dowden has opened up about the immense pressure she placed on herself when returning to Strictly Come Dancing following her battle with breast cancer.
The professional dancer, 34, was diagnosed in May 2023, undergoing chemotherapy and a mastectomy before announcing she was cancer-free in February 2024.
Despite overcoming her health struggles, Amy’s return to the beloved BBC dance competition in September 2024 proved to be more emotionally
and physically demanding than she had anticipated. Partnered with JLS singer JB Gill, her comeback was unfortunately cut short in week six due to a foot injury.
Now, reflecting on her experience, Amy admits she hadn’t fully processed everything she had been through and had placed overwhelming expectations on herself.
A Challenging Return to Strictly
Speaking to The Mirror, Amy revealed that she struggled with confidence upon re-entering the Strictly ballroom. “Last year, it was a lot of emotions—excitement but also pressure I had put on myself,” she admitted. “I wasn’t confident in myself really deep down. I think I was still trying to accept everything.”
Amy explained that her physical appearance also played a role in her self-doubt. Having lost her hair during chemotherapy, she was in the process of growing it back when she returned to the show. “I didn’t look the same,” she shared, adding that the visible changes served as a reminder of everything she had endured.
Looking Ahead to a Fresh Start
Despite the challenges of last year’s Strictly journey, Amy is hopeful about her future with the show. While she has not yet received confirmation of a spot in the 2025 series, she remains optimistic.
“I think this year, I would be able to truly go in and enjoy it, and that’s what I would be looking forward to the most,” she said. “I really do truly feel like Amy again.”
The official lineup of professional dancers for the 2025 season is yet to be announced, with the final decision expected in the spring. However, Amy is already preparing to return to the dance floor alongside her Strictly co-star Carlos Gu for their Reborn UK tour, which kicks off on March 10.
Heartbreak Over Early Exit
Amy’s departure from Strictly in 2024 was particularly devastating, as she had worked tirelessly to make her comeback a reality. After her cancer diagnosis, she set a personal goal of returning to the competition, dedicating herself fully to training and preparation.
In November 2024, after sustaining a foot injury, she shared her heartbreak on Instagram. “My heart is breaking right now. The past few months, I finally felt like me again,” she wrote. “Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order—what we needed to work on. I felt free again.”
Her exit was especially emotional because Strictly represented not just a professional goal, but a symbol of her resilience. “My goal since hearing those words, ‘you have cancer,’ was to get back on the Strictly dance floor,” she explained. “It’s been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 to.”
Amy went on to express her gratitude to her dance partner, JB Gill, calling him a “talented, kind, gentle soul.” She reflected on their time together, praising his dedication to learning ballroom and Latin fundamentals. “JB, thank you for being the perfect partner back. We topped the leaderboard in week one and continued to work so hard,” she said, adding that their Rumba would always hold a special place in her heart.
Despite her disappointment, Amy remained hopeful for the future. “My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury, but I know all too well, ‘this too shall pass,’ and I’ll soon be better and back dancing.”
A Message of Strength and Gratitude
Amy’s journey has been one of immense strength, perseverance, and resilience. She has repeatedly expressed her gratitude to her supporters, from her Strictly family to her loved ones and fans.
“To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family—thank you,” she wrote in her heartfelt Instagram post.
As she continues to heal and rebuild, Amy remains an inspiration to many, proving that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, the love of dance and the will to push forward can shine through. With her sights set on the future, she is ready to embrace new opportunities—this time, without the pressure that once weighed so heavily on her shoulders.
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