Amy Dowden has revealed she will undergo surgery this week, which will force her to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing.
Dowden, who hails from Caerphilly in South Wales, and her partner, former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, were the first pair eliminated from Strictly 2025.
But Dowden has remained part of the show, performing routines with the other professional dancers and judges each week on the BBC.
Amy Dowden to undergo surgery
However, Dowden has not revealed, following a recent appointment with her medical team, that she will have to undergo another mastectomy this week, forcing her out of Strictly for now.
But the Strictly professional confirmed to fans the latest surgery was "not to treat a new cancer diagnosis".
In a post on Instagram, Dowden said: "As you all know I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive.
"So I’d like to start by being clear what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis.
"However following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided that I’ll be having another mastectomy this week.
"They’re confident that, all going well, I can expect a straightforward recovery.
"Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my strictly family. Of course I’m going to miss not being there so much but I will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on.
"Thank you always for all the support. Welsh love Amy."
Strictly stars share support following news about Amy Dowden's surgery
Fellow Strictly stars took to Dowden's post to share messages of support following news of her latest surgery.
Dianne Buswell said: "We love you Amy."
Jowita Przystal added: "Sending lots of love."
While Gorka Marquez commented: "sending all the love."
Other celebrities also commented on Dowden's post, passing on love and well-wishes.
Her partner from Strictly 2025, Thomas Skinner, posted: "Love ya Amy. Hope it all goes well. You are a legend."
McFly's Tom Fletcher said: "All the love to you my wonderful friend."
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly wrote: "Sending you so much love Amy."
Amy Dowden's history with cancer
Dowden previously revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer back in May 2023 after finding a lump in April, the day before going to the Maldives on her honeymoon with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones.
After her diagnosis, Dowden had a mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy, with her treatment preventing her from being able to compete with a celebrity partner on the BBC dancing programme in 2023.
Every Strictly Come Dancing winner (2004-2024)
Dowden documented her cancer experience online and revealed in February 2024 that “no evidence of disease” was found at her latest health check.
In 2024, she returned to the dancefloor, partnered with former JLS star JB Gill.
However, she was forced to pull out of Strictly midway through the 20th anniversary series due to an injury, and was replaced by Lauren Oakley.
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Dowden returned once again in 2025 where she was partnered with Skinner.
Her cancer treatment and experience with Crohn’s disease have been depicted in BBC documentaries - Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me and Strictly Amy: Crohn’s And Me.
Dowden was also made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) earlier in the year for services to fundraising and raising awareness of the inflammatory bowel disease.
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