Strictly's Amy Dowden gives heartfelt update after…

Strictly's Amy Dowden gives heartfelt update after outpouring of support from co-stars following cancer diagnosis

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has thanked fans for their outpouring of support following the news of her breast cancer diagnosis.

The 32-year-old professional dancer, who has starred on the BBC show since 2017, told Hello! magazine that she had received the devastating Stage 3 diagnosis just last week. Writing on Instagram after the news broke, the brave star said: "I'm determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it."

Amy's Strictly co-stars were quick to show their support for her as the news was announced, leaving a string of emotional messages in the comments section. Fellow pro dancer Gorka Marquez wrote: "We are all in this with you! Sending all our strength. And you will be with us in the less than eight counts. We love you Amy."

Dancer Dianne Buswell said to the Caerphilly-born star: "Our Welsh dragon is going to fight this!!! And I can not wait for the moment you are back on that dance floor with us. We love you so much Amy."

Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse wrote: "We love you Amy, sending all my love and will definitely keep you in my prayers."

And head judge Shirley Ballas penned: "You are a strong example to so many of resilience which I've witnessed first hand. A beautiful kind and funny young lady who will face things head on. You are sooo loved. I'll see you soon my darling friend hugs and lots of warm cuddles."

Amy has since issued an update on Instagram thanking everyone for their kind words, adding that she is keen to get back to dancing as soon as she can. Sharing a picture of herself performing on the Strictly dancefloor, Amy wrote: "This feeling performing is like no other! The emotion, excitement, adrenaline and I can't wait for it again.

"It feeds my soul! Thank you for every single comment and message today! It means so much to me and my incredible family I'm so lucky to be surrounded by! Thank you."

Amy has previously opened up about the heartbreaking ordeal of watching her own mother suffer from cancer at a young age. She said: "My Mum had thyroid cancer and breast cancer when I was younger, and it was tough to watch her go through it.

"It's important to remember the effect cancer has on the whole family – it can be just as difficult watching your loved one go through it, and that can take a toll on everyone's health."

Amy married her professional dance partner Ben Jones last year, following a two-year delay due to the pandemic. Several Strictly stars were on the guest list, including judge Craig Revel Horwood and professional dancer couple Janette Manrara and Alijaz Skorjanec, while fellow pro Dianne Buswell was one of Amy's bridesmaids.

Amy and Ben are former British National Latin Dance Champions and run a dance school together in the West Midlands, with Amy having started ballroom dancing from the age of eight. Just last month they flew to the Maldives to celebrate their belated honeymoon.

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