‘Gutted and heartbroken’ Amy Dowden fractures foot week after completing cancer treatment

Virgin Radio

16 Nov 2023, 14:36

Strictly star Amy Dowden has sadly confirmed she won’t be on the dance floor for the rest of the year after fracturing her foot. 

The Welsh dancer revealed her stage three breast cancer diagnosis in May 2023. She hasn’t been able to compete on this show this year, but bravely returned to Strictly in October, weeks after making the decision to shave her head. 

Amy recently marked her final chemotherapy treatment, but it seems the celebrations were cut short after she managed to sustain a nasty injury. 

“Not the week I was hoping for since finishing chemo,” the choreographer put on her Instagram page alongside a photo of her new medical boot. 

She added: “Port out but unfortunately gained a boot for a fractured foot. Absolutely gutted and heartbroken as this means the plans for me to dance in the Strictly Ballroom this year are no longer possible. This is what has kept me going the past few months.

“2023 is certainly not my year, roll on 2024 I say!,” she concluded. 

Friends and fans dashed to her social media page to send their well wishes, with fellow Strictly star Dianne Buswell writing: “Next year is yours !!!!!. Thinking of ya my amy xxx.”

Former Strictly 2023 star Amanda Abbington added: “Sending you the most love!!! Rest up beautiful girl.”

“Oh no! Well in that case 2024 could not be coming sooner!,” Janette Manrara commented. 

Amy’s unfortunate accident comes just a few days after Strictly judge Shirley Ballas predicted the dancer would once again take to the ballroom floor before the year was out. 

She told The Independent: “[Amy] is hoping to dance by the Christmas shows – and I wouldn't be surprised if she does, you know, God willing.

"This show doesn't leave anybody behind. When you're on board, they're very protective. If you choose to leave, then that's your choice. But whilst you're under this umbrella, they're always very, very aware of what situations you're going through or what's going on in your life."

Shirley also praised Amy for going wigless during her recent stop by the ballroom, adding: “I talk to Amy about once a week – she's one of the most powerful, strong ladies that I know.

"She wanted to share with the nation – with any small children, anybody going through the same as her – and say, 'Look, I'm on national television, this is what I'm dealing with. And it's OK.’”

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 18th November at 6.40pm, with the results show on Sunday 19th November at 7.20pm on BBC One.