Amy Dowden’s breast cancer battle captured in new BBC documentary

A documentary about Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden and her treatment for stage three breast cancer is to air on the BBC.

It comes after the 33-year-old from Caerphilly was confirmed to return as a professional dancer on the BBC One show, having missed out in 2023 following her diagnosis.

The hour-long film, which has a working title of Amy Dowden: Fight Of My Life, documents her cancer treatment as well as her return to dance.

Dowden was diagnosed with cancer after she found a lump in her breast the night before her honeymoon in April 2023.

Chemotherapy

In June of that year, she revealed she had undergone a mastectomy and in November she shared a video of her ringing a bell signalling the end of her chemotherapy treatment, which had started in the summer.

Although the Welsh dancer was unable to perform as a professional during the 21st series of Strictly, she did make few appearances on the show and performed in the opening number of the grand final.

Dowden said: “A year ago, I was recently married and about to go on honeymoon, it was an exciting new chapter in my life, but finding a lump on my breast changed my life.

“I never thought at my age I would get cancer and, despite having family members and friends who were cancer survivors, had no idea just what the impact on my life would be.

“I’ve learnt so much about myself and what a cancer diagnosis means on this journey.

“I hope others find hope and strength from this film, and that it encourages everyone to check themselves, no matter what age you are.”

Courage

Nick Andrews, BBC Cymru Wales’ head of commissioning, said: “The courage and resilience Amy has shown over the past couple of years is without doubt.

“To then have the strength to also allow cameras follow her deeply personal experience in the hope that something positive will come out of what has been such a difficult experience for her and her family is nothing short of extraordinary. This film is very inspiring.”

Paul Islwyn Thomas, chief executive of Wildflame Productions, said the company would have been unable to make the film “without Amy’s openness and candour”.

The documentary will air on BBC One Wales, BBC One and BBC iPlayer this summer.