Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared a moving health update with fans two years on from when she first discovered a lump in her breast. The 34 year old Welsh dancer took to Instagram to reflect on the morning that she first began to reckon with the fact that she might have cancer.

She wrote: “Two years ago I found my lump and my gut instinct told me it wasn’t good. I was in Blackpool about to do a full day in the ballroom with all my students. That morning in the shower is when my heart sunk.” Amy was due to fly out on a long-awaited honeymoon the next day, and has now revealed that the fear of that discovery in the shower stayed with her throughout the trip.

She continued: “The entire time I was away I was checking it every day and googling when Ben wasn’t looking. I remember one day cycling back to our villa and actually thinking this might be my last holiday. Your mind spirals so quickly.”

The Strictly pro dancer posted a striking twin up of a photo showing her in the hospital, attached to an IV drip – side by side with a more recent picture where she can be seen glowing with health while celebrating her confirmed return to the BBC show.

Amy added: “The first picture was taken last night celebrating my confirmed return to Strictly later this year compared to me mid-treatment — two very different versions of me. I constantly dreamed about getting the old ‘me’ back, and you know what? This year has been everything, and so much more.”

After going through a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and fertility treatment following her stage three breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, Amy shared the life-changing news that there is currently “no evidence of disease”.

Although she’s still on the road to recovery and has to get monthly injections, Amy says she’s feeling “stronger and fitter than ever” after back to back dance tours and months of rebuilding.

The BBC star from Caerphilly also took a moment to offer words of encouragement and advice to anyone who may be facing something similar, saying: “What I really want to say and to get across is always trust your gut! You know your own body, don’t be scared to see your GP and express how you feel. Trust your instincts, trust your gut and remember — you know YOU better than anyone else!”

Amy also opened up about the emotional journey she has been on throughout her recovery, telling followers: “What I have certainly learnt along the way is not to compare myself to others. Learning the full process of recovery has its hurdles, and it takes the time it needs — both physically and mentally. I’ve learnt to be kind to myself.”

She ended the heartfelt message with a motto that helped her get through the darkest months of treatment – “Don’t get bitter, get better.”

Amy is currently soaking up the sun in Tenerife alongside fellow dancer Carlos Gu and enjoying some well earned rest before she hits the dance floor again on the 23rd series of Strictly, which is set to air later this autumn.

She recently completed a UK tour called Reborn with Carlos. In a recent Instagram story, Amy could be seen twirling in a glittery red dress. She told fans: “I’m back… Feeling stronger than ever and counting down the days until Strictly’s 21st birthday.”

Another joyful snap showed her and Carlos clinking glasses in the sunshine, with Amy writing: “Happy faces celebrating returning to our fave job in the world! Strictly gives us so much, including friendships/families for a lifetime!”