Amy Dowden's Inspiring Return: Strictly Goals After Cancer Battle
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has opened up about her ambitions for returning to the BBC's flagship dance competition. The 35-year-old dancer from Caerphilly, who has overcome both Crohn's disease and breast cancer, is planning her comeback should producers offer her a spot in the upcoming season.
Blackpool: The Ultimate Goal
When asked about her primary ambition if invited back to Strictly, Dowden was clear about her target. 'If I'm asked back, I'd love to get to Blackpool on Strictly to prove to myself that I'm back to where I was before cancer,' she revealed. The iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom represents a significant milestone in the competition, and for Dowden, it symbolizes her complete recovery and return to peak performance.
Beyond the Dance Floor: Presenting and Judging Dreams
Dowden's vision extends far beyond just competing as a professional partner. She has her sights set on multiple roles within the Strictly universe. 'I'd love to enjoy my tenth year on Strictly, then do some presenting down the line and, one day, maybe even join the judging panel,' she shared enthusiastically.
The dancer believes she has the right qualities for a judging role, stating: 'I judge a lot of competitions around the UK and around the world and I'd be a nice Strictly judge: fair, honest and sympathetic.' Her comments come at a particularly relevant time, following the recent announcement that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be leaving their presenting roles, creating speculation about potential replacements.
Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience
Amy Dowden's path has been marked by significant health challenges. Diagnosed with Crohn's disease at 19, she has been in remission from breast cancer since last year. Her 2023 diagnosis forced her to take a break from Strictly, and she recently underwent a second mastectomy in November 2025 on medical advice.
Reflecting on her health journey, which also included a broken foot, sepsis, and blood clots, Dowden described it as 'a weird mix of both' unlucky and lucky. She shared a poignant motivation that drives her forward: 'A young lady, Nikki, lost her life to breast cancer when I was going through chemo and her motto was: go grab life. I've promised her and myself, that's what I'll do.'
Strictly Partnerships and Controversies
In 2025, Dowden was paired with Thomas Skinner, marking the first time she was eliminated in the opening week of the competition. Their partnership was somewhat controversial, with Skinner claiming he received more votes than officially reported. The BBC responded firmly, stating: 'Strictly Come Dancing's public vote is independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy every week. Any claims to the contrary are entirely without foundation.'
Dowden contrasted this experience with her 2024 partnership with JB Gill, who had some dance experience from his time in boyband JLS. 'All of them are challenges,' she noted philosophically about her celebrity partners. 'And you never know. When last year's line-up was announced, Karen Carney was odd-on to go out in week three or four. Bill (Bailey), Chris (McCausland), Hamza (Yassim), no one imagined they'd win. I embrace it all.'
Reborn Tour: Dancing with Carlos Gu
Currently, Dowden is preparing for the 2026 leg of her Reborn tour with reigning Strictly champion Carlos Gu. The tour, described on their website as 'an intimate portrait of their lives and journeys, in which the inspirational and transformative power of dance shines through,' represents another step in Dowden's professional resurgence.
She teased exciting elements for the upcoming shows: 'There's going to be an empowering new group number, we've got Jake Leigh, who choreographed Carlos's first-ever 40 in the Couples Choice, plus (Strictly singer) Andrea Grant and some new dancers.' With 24 dance numbers planned, audiences can expect a packed performance, with possible appearances by fellow professional Karen Hauer at select venues.
The tour will feature singing elements, though Dowden humorously admitted she won't be taking the microphone. 'I may be Welsh, but that doesn't mean I'm a good singer! Honestly, my karaoke number is the Hokey Cokey, because everyone's dancing rather than listening to my singing.' Instead, Carlos Gu will handle vocal duties while they dance together.
A Supportive Friendship
Dowden's relationship with Carlos Gu has evolved from professional rivalry to deep friendship. 'We've known each other a long time and were rivals, but never bitter ones, always friends,' she explained. 'He's a beautiful soul who was there for me during my cancer journey. He calls my mum and dad 'mama and papa' and we really are like brother and sister.'
Their bond is characterized by honesty and support, with Dowden sharing: 'We fight, we cry, we laugh and we don't hold back – I'll come downstairs in something and he'll go, 'Who told you you look good in that?!'. But I wouldn't have it any other way.'
The Reborn tour begins on May 29th in Dartford before traveling to additional venues. As Amy Dowden continues her remarkable recovery journey, her determination to return to Strictly Come Dancing and achieve her Blackpool goal serves as an inspiring testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
