The Strictly performer put out an urgent request on social media.

Amy Dowden
Strictly’s Amy Dowden in sad announcement after pal receives tragic cancer news (Image: Instagram Amy Dowden)

Amy Dowden made a heartfelt admission after the dancer made a sad announcement. The Strictly Come Dancing performer, 35, who recently underwent a second mastectomy in late 2025 following her initial 2023 stage three breast cancer diagnosis issued an emotional plea.

Taking to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, the BBC star revealed her childhood friend’s cancer had returned as she asked her 727,000 followers for their help.

The Welsh-born dancer began: “Hello everybody. I’ve come on here to ask a favour or if anybody can help or possibly share this link now.

Carrie who I went to Year 7 school with – unfortunately her cancer has come back and it is stage four. She has two beautiful young boys and has set up a GoFundMe page.”

Amy continued: “She wants to get a bit more time with her boys with surgery but it’s going to cost a bit of money. If anybody can help or give a little donation that would absolutely mean the world to Carrie and her family.

“And from the bottom of my heart… thank you.”

The Strictly star shared a link to her friend’s GoFundMe page.

In a follow up message Amy commented that “cancer does not discriminate” and urged the public to check their bodies.

Amy Dowden

Strictly’s Amy Dowden issued an emotional plea on Instagram (Image: Instagram Amy Dowden)

She explained: “Carrie unfortunately had colitis which turned to bowel cancer. She had a stoma bag, chemo. Brilliant scans saying no signs of disease.

But unfortunately, it’s come back and it is not curable.”

Amy concluded: “Lets raise awareness and as much money as possible to find a cure.”

The Welsh dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy.

In November she revealed she would have another mastectomy and said in an Instagram post that she had not received a new cancer diagnosis and could “expect a straightforward recovery”.

She missed out on a celebrity partner on Strictly in 2023 amid her treatment.