Amy Dowden offered a hopeful update about her Strictly Come Dancing return following her latest round of cancer treatment.
The Welsh dancer, 33, assured fans she is “working hard” to prepare for a return to the BBC dance competition later this year.
Dowden found a lump on her breast shortly before jetting off on honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones a year ago.
She was later diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, which she has now completed. After keeping fans in the loop throughout her journey, Dowden continues to give health updates on social media.
She was delighted to share with fans earlier this year that she now has “no evidence of disease”, but explained she can’t get the all-clear for five years.
The choreographer was heartbroken to have to miss out on last year’s series of Strictly as she underwent treatment, and fans have been wondering if she’ll be back in her dance heels this year.
Dowden said she was 'working hard' to make a return to the show
BBC
Revealing she had her latest treatment yesterday, she explained on Tuesday: “I can’t believe it’s a year since I found the lump.
“But I’m just so grateful in the year for the treatment I’ve had, the NHS, and all the charities, everybody that’s helped me to be still here today.”
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she continued: “I was actually at the oncology unit yesterday, having my monthly injection, which I will need for five years.
“But I’m just so grateful to get another shot at life, but I never thought in a million years at 32, that I’d be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dowden assured fans 'I'll be back' on Strictly
BBC
“I was living my life to the full on Strictly Come Dancing, I’d just got married, but cancer doesn’t discriminate.”
Looking to the future, she revealed: "I’ve got amazing friends and family. The oncology unit, the nurses, the breast nurses, and also the public support has been incredible.
"And I think the goal and the dream to be back on the dance floor as well, because I’ve missed it so, so much."
Enthusing about a possible return tot he dancefloor, she added: "I’m working really really hard and getting my body fully back in rehab and physio, I’ve got a brilliant team.
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Dowden candidly updated fans throughout her cancer treatment
Getty
"So fingers crossed I’ll be back on your screens dancing later this year. If Strictly will have me back, I’ll be back.”
Dowden is also supporting The Big Help Out campaign, which showcases how volunteering benefits communities.
She reflected: “Unfortunately one in two of us in our lifetime is diagnosed with cancer but charities like Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Young Lives Vs Cancer, Breast Cancer Now, they wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for volunteers.
“And volunteers are the backbone, the heartbeat to all these charities that help fund research, the reason why I’m still alive today, to help support not just those going through it, but their families as well. But as a volunteer you get so much pride as well, it helps your mental health, there’s so many benefits to it.”