LONDON – Just weeks after undergoing her second mastectomy to prevent the recurrence of cancer, Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has opened up about her deeply emotional journey. Today (Tuesday, December 9), the 35-year-old Welsh dancer shared a heartfelt video with her fans on Instagram, revealing her current mental and physical state.

The Carol Service and the Lesson of Letting Go

The night before, Amy attended the Breast Cancer Now Christmas Carol Service at St Peter’s Church, where she had the honour of giving a reading. She shared that the evening was not just a formal event but a moment of profound healing.

On her Instagram Story, Amy expressed being particularly moved by the testimony of another survivor. “Such a special night,” she recounted, explaining that she met many strong women who were fighting or had triumphed over cancer.

What made Amy reflect most deeply was the story of someone who had given her advice: this survivor shared how she learned to “no longer be emotionally attached to her body, especially her boobs.” Amy responded with bitter humour, admitting: “Well, I’ve got two new ones,” referencing her recent surgery.

Owning the Scars with Pride

However, the core message shifted her perspective entirely. The survivor expressed immense pride in her body for everything it had carried her through.

Amy confessed: “It really touched me and it made me even more grateful to be where I am today.” She described the night as a powerful reminder to “go grab life” and look forward to the future, including filming the Christmas special immediately today and the Strictly final.

She stressed: “Yes, a cancer diagnosis never leaves you but gosh, I’m one of the lucky ones.” Amy vowed to continue her mission to raise awareness and give back for the support she received.

The Vow: Never Go Through Another Diagnosis

Amy’s decision to have a second mastectomy was a life-altering one. In an interview on Lorraine last week, Amy explained the reason for the preventative surgery after concerning specs were found in her left breast.

She admitted with desperation: “This is preventative. I’m young. I want children. I would do anything to just have my old life back and not be going through this.”

Amy stated definitively that she couldn’t endure another cancer diagnosis: “What I do know is I can’t go through another cancer diagnosis again. I can’t.”

Though she admitted she didn’t want surgery again, hope remains. Amy expressed her earnest desire to return to the dance floor, even for a brief moment, during the upcoming Strictly final—a powerful symbol of her unyielding fighting spirit.