Amy Dowden says she feels ‘robbed’ of 2023 after breast cancer diagnosis

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Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden has said she feels “robbed” of 2023 after her stage three breast cancer diagnosis.

The Welsh dancer, 33, has had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and fertility treatment throughout this year and is looking forward to being “fit and healthy” in 2024.

She also hopes to win the BBC One celebrity dance competition’s coveted Glitterball Trophy next year.

In an Instagram story on Sunday 31 December, Dowden – who finished her last bout of chemotherapy in November – 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.”

To bring in 2024, she hosted a New Year’s Eve morning programme on BBC Radio Wales during which she also reflected on her health struggles after not being able to compete on Strictly in a celebrity pairing.

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The dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after her honeymoon in the Maldives with new husband and fellow dancer Ben Jones.

Dowden said: “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.”

Additional reporting by Press Association