Strictly's Amy Dowden shares emotional video revealing she has shaved her head

Virgin Radio

21 Sep 2023, 14:05

Credit: Getty/@Amy_Dowden on Instagram

Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden took to her Instagram on Thursday to share an emotional update on her cancer treatment journey.

Posting a video to her social media account, the 33-year-old professional dancer revealed that she had made the decision to shave her head after several months of trying her best to save her hair during her chemotherapy.

“This too shall pass,” Amy - who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May and discovered she had more tumours in July - captioned the video. The clip itself showed how her friends and family all supported her through the incredibly emotional event.

“Taking control - the hardest step so far,” her post continued. “I tried my best to save it. I know it’s only hair but these past few months I’ve had what feels like so much taken away from me that has made me not feel like Amy... I just wanted to keep my identity with my hair and I tried telling myself it wouldn’t go.”

The Caerphilly-born star continued: “I’ve not been able to take control of this journey so far, but as you can see with some of my loved ones I took the courage and CONTROL.”

While the Strictly TV personality admitted her new look would “take some time to get use[d] to,” she also explained that having taken this leap of faith, her next challenge would be “focussing not on the hair I’m losing but the hair I’m going to get back” in the future.

“Since taking control, I feel I can now see the finish line,” she elaborated. “I’ve done it and I’ve also crossed the half way chemo line! I’m feeling empowered and positive!”

The dancer signed off her post by wishing everyone “on their own journey, whatever that may be” all the best, before also teasing in an aside: “There are some fun before and after vids/reels coming, but I wanted to share the truth and hopefully help others, and bring normality to a beautiful bald head.”

Strictly Come Dancing is currently airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer every Saturday.