Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has reflected on ‘experiencing rock bottom’ during 2023.
The professional dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and the BBC star told her Instagram followers that she felt ‘robbed of the year I planned’.
Amy and her husband Ben tied the knot in July 2002 and she found a lump in her breast the day before she jetted off for a belated honeymoon to the Maldives in April 2023.
The dancer announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in an Instagram post shared in May 2023 and underwent a mastectomy in July.
Since then Amy has shared regular health updates on Instagram. She battled sepsis at one point during her chemo treatment as well as a blood clot on her lung.
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has reflected on ‘experiencing rock bottom’ during 2023
The professional dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and the BBC star told her Instagram followers that she felt ‘robbed of the year I planned’
She also broke her foot toward the end of the year and her chemotherapy and then the injury meant Amy was forced to sit out most of the 2023 series of Strictly and was not partnered with a celeb.
She did make a number of appearances during the series though, including an emotional moment in the finale group dance.
In an Instagram story on Sunday, Amy wrote: ‘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.
‘I’m sure I’m not alone and that’s why I wanted to put something. I feel I was robbed 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.
‘Experienced rock bottom, felt I lost my identity and dancing BUT 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! Sending love and hugs to those that need it! (And please) as it’s the last day of 2023 why not #checkyourchests.’
Amy then shared a series of photo documenting her year.
To ring in 2024, she also hosted a New Year’s Eve morning programme on BBC Radio Wales during which she revealed her ambitions for 2024.
Amy and her husband Ben tied the knot in July 2002 and she found a lump in her breast the day before she jetted off for a belated honeymoon to the Maldives in April 2023
The dancer announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent a mastectomy in July. She battled sepsis at one point during her chemo treatment
Amy also shared footage from her fertility treatment with husband Ben by her side
‘So I started the year obviously on the Strictly trip, the arena tour, which I absolutely loved.’
“After having a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, the lot, I am now finally looking ahead to 2024 and I 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.’
It comes after Amy documented her last hospital appointment before Christmas on Thursday.
She also broke her foot toward the end of the year and her chemotherapy and then the injury meant Amy was forced to sit out most of the 2023 series of Strictly
The dancer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, and underwent a mastectomy in July, was supported at the visit by her devoted husband Benjamin Jones.
Donning a festive jumper she beamed in the snaps and thanked hospital staff before joking a large injection was her ‘early Christmas present’.
She wrote: ‘The last apt before Christmas, then we are getting into Christmas spirit and taking out lovely dance teachers out!! Ready to spend Christmas with my loved one.’
Amy celebrated her final round of chemotherapy In November, ringing the traditional end of treatment bell to celebrate.
To ring in 2024, she also hosted a New Year’s Eve morning programme on BBC Radio Wales during which she revealed her ambitions for 2024
Amy confirmed that she would be completing chemotherapy, but explained she was facing further treatment.
Speaking in an Instagram video, Amy explained: ‘Four weeks after the last chemo, I have my MRI scan and then I find out if I need more surgery – or if I’m done.’
She added ‘well, I’m kind of not done, because for five years – I was a bit gutted when I found this out – I have to go back to the chemo ward.’
‘Obviously, I love all the nurses there, they’re incredible, the whole team are – but I have to go back and have an injection once a month. It’s either that, or have my ovaries removed, which I obviously don’t want.’
