Amy Dowden breaks 'silence' as BBC Strictly star shares reason for absence after cancer treatment: 'Needed time'
WATCH NOW: Amy Dowden returns to social media in January 2024 to show off hair growth after cancer treatment
BBC Strictly star Amy Dowden has made a defiant return to social media for the first time in weeks after admitting she'd been "silent" on the platform.
The professional dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy last year to combat the illness.
Dowden has kept her fans clued in throughout her battle with cancer, candidly sharing updates from the hospital and even posting a tear-jerking clip of when she shaved her hair off following treatment.
The Strictly star even managed to make a surprise cameo on the dance floor in last year's final in which Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned champions.
Since the New Year, Dowden made an appearance on ITV's Lorraine but her social media following has been left without regular updates.
Now, to celebrate the milestone of her hair starting to grow back, Dowden has shared a statement on Instagram explaining why she's decided to be absent from the platform of late.
Amy Dowden hair growth: The Strictly star showed off her longer hair after cancer treatment
INSTAGRAM/AMY DOWDEN
Dowden began: "Hey hey, thank you for all the lovely messages the last few weeks. Sorry for being a little silent here. I needed a little time and space.
"I'm still missing and craving what I should be doing but starting to accept I need to be patient.
"After a crazy week of hospital tests and apts last week, Ben and I then went away for a few days and it's exactly what we both needed," she explained alongside a series of love heart emojis.
"Hope 2024 has been treating you all well. Once again, thanks for all the love and of course I need to remind you, have you checked yourself yet this year? If not get checking," Dowden encouraged.
Amy Dowden hair loss: The dancer shared a throwback from December to highlight the difference
INSTAGRAM/AMY DOWDEN
The Strictly star then followed this up with a short clip showing off her hair growth.
She penned: "Also so grateful for the hair growth so far. My eye lashes and brows are back and the hair is growing.
"This is for anyone going through treatment. Remember like I keep telling myself, this too shall pass.
"This is 11 weeks since my last chemo," she added followed by praying and love heart emojis.
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Amy Dowden break silence: The Strictly pro explained why she'd been away from social media
INSTAGRAM/AMY DOWDEN
Dowden then posted a series of snaps from December 6, Christmas Day and today to highlight the difference in hair growth.
She signed off the final post: "To now... can't believe it. The re growth felt so slow but looking back it's unreal and it's helping me feel more positive." (sic)