Amy Dowden has said that winning Strictly Come Dancing 2024 is one of her top goals for the new year.
The professional dancer was unable to compete in this year’s series of the BBC competition due to her breast cancer diagnosis, mastectomy, and chemotherapy treatment.
Amy made multiple guest appearances during the season, including participating in a special group dance despite having broken her foot.
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, the 33-year-old is eager to put on her dancing shoes again in the goal of winning the Glitterball Trophy with a celebrity partner, making her the first Welsh professional to do so.
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, Amy told her listeners: ‘After having a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, the lot, I am now finally looking ahead to 2024 and I’ve just got a good feeling it’s going to be my year and hopefully, I’m going to get that Glitterball and I’m going to bring it back to Wales because a Welsh professional dancer’s never won the show.
‘That might be because I’m the only ever Welsh professional dancer to be on the show. But, yeah, that’s my aim for 2024, to get fit and healthy and to get myself back on that Strictly dancefloor.’
We can’t wait to watch Amy compete again on Strictly Come Dancing!
Amy’s finest performance on Strictly was in 2019, when she finished as runner-up alongside CBBC broadcaster Karim Zeroual.
The next year, she finished sixth with former Royal Marines Commando JJ Chalmers, and in 2021, she ended seventh with McFly guitarist Tom Fletcher.
Amy also posted a touching message on her Instagram Story for her followers ahead of the New Year.
It read: ‘Last day of 2023! I’m sure I’m not the only one but actually finding it hard looking at others post of the past year.
Breast cancer symptoms
The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast.
You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:
- a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
‘I’m sure I’m not alone and that’s why I wanted to put something. I feel I was robed [sic] of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry but later I’m going to make myself look through my camera roll and remember all the good times, the amazing opportunities I had, family time but also taking time to realise I learnt the most this year.’
She continued, explaining that she ‘experienced rock bottom, felt I lost my identity and dancing’.
However, Amy felt that she became ‘a stronger, braver person who I’m taking forward with me to 2024’.
‘For those struggling to reflect today remember it’s ok. I feel much better after a little cry this morning and blessed to be celebrating with friends round tonight the GOOD BYE to 2023!’
The dancer concluded: ‘Sending love and hugs to those that need it! Ps as it’s the last day of 2023 why not #checkyourchests.’
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
