Amy Dowden shares ‘bittersweet’ admission as she gives health update following BBC Strictly finale
BBC Strictly star Amy Dowden has opened up about her health after being forced to quit the latest series midway through, following a medical emergency and injury.
The 34-year-old also reflected on her “bittersweet” experience with the iconic dance programme’s grand finale on Saturday.
Throughout the first half of Strictly’s 2024 run, pro dancer Amy Dowden was partnered with former JLS star JB Gill.
However, she was forced to pull out of the competition after collapsing backstage during Halloween Week and suffering a later ankle injury.
Dowden had only recently returned to Strictly after missing last year’s series as she battled stage-three breast cancer.
When asked about her health, the 34-year-old revealed she was: “Doing really well… really good.”
Dowden’s recuperation allowed her to appear in the Strictly’s final group performance, where the show’s professional dancers performed a routine from signer Raye.
She revealed getting back on her feet to perform in the final was “my aim, and I’m pretty determined!”
“To dance in the final was just lush. Especially considering the two years that I’ve had, absolutely!” Dowden told BBC Breakfast.
With Dowden cheering him on, Gill danced his way to the finale with new partner Lauren Oakley.
Reflecting on Gill’s success, Dowden admitted the feeling was “bittersweet”.
“I would have loved to have been there dancing with JB and Lauren, but I’m so proud of them both. They achieved such incredible dances on the weekend,” she gushed.
Dowden appeared alongside her dance partner, and fellow Stritcly pro, Carlos Gu as the pair were promoting their new tour – Reborn.
Speaking about their show, the Welsh dancer said: “I hope to give a message as well, always stay true to yourself. But that better times can come. For me it’s been quite a challenging few years.”
“During chemo, you feel so ill, so rotten and actually, only in the last few weeks I’ve felt like I’ve really got my energy back now,” she said, reflecting on her past health battles.
The 34-year-old revealed: “Only in the last few weeks have I realised, yeah, actually I feel like back to the old Amy.
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“Now I can push this on stage with my best friend Carlos, who was there throughout all of my cancer diagnosis.”
Overcoming adversity will be a key theme of Dowden and Gu’s 2025 show.
“I hope to give people confidence and uplift them. The truth behind the struggles but also, you can get through them and don’t get bitter get better,” Dowden concluded.