Amy Dowden says she feels ‘angry’ about her devastating breast cancer diagnosis and reveals how her fellow Strictly stars are supporting her: ‘I just think I’ve been dealt a difficult one’

Amy Dowden has said she feels ‘angry’ about her devastating breast cancer diagnosis as she revealed how her fellow Strictly stars are supporting her. 

In an interview with Women’s Health UK, the professional dancer, 32, spoke in detail about the life-changing ordeal she has faced since her diagnosis in May. 

The star also featured in a set of stunning new images as she posed without her wig – as she hopes to inspire others who find themselves in her situation. 

Amy, who was also diagnosed with Crohn’s disease aged 19 following eight years of experiencing symptoms, revealed her emotions at a second serious health diagnosis. 

She said: ‘I always say, I never asked [for] this to happen to me. I’ve always worked so hard. I’ve always been a good person. 

Inspirational: Amy Dowden looked stunning in a set of new images without her wig for Women’s Health UK

New interview: The professional dancer, 32, spoke in detail about the life-changing ordeal after her diagnosis in May

‘I looked after myself, I’ve exercised well, haven’t smoked…I do get angry. I just think I’ve been dealt a difficult one.

‘I think it’ll take a while to accept. It took me a long time to accept my Crohn’s. Until I’m back dancing and back to my normal self, I don’t think I will accept it.’

The professional dancer has taken the year off this year’s Strictly Come Dancing to recover after eight sessions of chemotherapy over the summer. 

But despite her absence from the live shows, Amy has remained close with her co-stars as they have done their utmost to support her. 

She continued: ‘I’m my fellow professionals’ biggest cheerleader. I know people are like, “Yeah, yeah” but we’re the best of friends. 

‘Honestly, not a day goes by without Dianne [Buswell] checking in on me; Carlos [Gu]; Katya [Jones]… production have gone above and beyond to make me part of the series as well. 

‘To have no part in it would have been soul-destroying. And not good for me mentally, whatsoever. I don’t know what I would have done, I’ll be honest with you.’

Amy underwent a mastectomy in July after her initial diagnosis in May. 

Opening up: Amy revealed she feels ‘angry’ following her diagnosis at such a young age

Star: The full Amy Dowden interview can be read in the December issue of Women’s Health UK, on sale now

The dancer added: ‘I just want to be treated as normal. When I’m walking outside and I’ve got my headscarf on, I don’t want looks of sympathy or feeling sorry for me – I’m Amy.

‘Sometimes, people don’t know how to address it. Just ask how I am – I will answer you. 

‘We don’t want you to feel sorry for us. We’re embracing it. Stand strong with us…Don’t give me that pity look – I don’t need it!’

Speaking of her husband and former dance partner Ben Jones – who has been there from the start with her Crohn’s diagnosis – she added: ‘Nothing will ever break us now!’

It comes after Amy said she was ‘missing dancing so much’ as she watched Saturday’s Strictly from the studio audience. 

Amy announced earlier this year that she could no longer compete on the show following her chemotherapy treatment.

While she has not been performing, Amy has appeared on several occasions as a guest on the programme with her former co-stars.

Earlier this month, Amy revealed she was still in disbelief as she opened up about having her final chemotherapy treatment.

Co-stars: Amy revealed how her Strictly co-stars are supporting her (pictured with Dianne Buswell)

Time out: Amy has taken the year off Strictly Come Dancing as she focuses on her recovery

Amy beamed for photos with doctors and nurses at the Sheldon Unit as she rang the traditional end of treatment bell to celebrate.

The dancer was all smiles as she was surprised by family and friends at the hospital who wore matching pink T-shirts and bought balloons, flowers and cake for her.

The BBC star admitted it was her ‘toughest journey yet’ as she opened up about completing chemotherapy and thanked everyone for their support.

She wrote: ‘Still can’t believe I had my last chemo on Thursday. The relief is like no other. But I couldn’t have got through it without these guys.

‘Honestly the Sheldon unit truly are real heroes. Selfless, hardworking, caring team who puts all their patients first and for me always kept me at ease when I would have my melt downs, doubts and worries oh and of course listen to all my stories ( mainly dancing). Will forever be grateful to you all!

‘But also my family and friends. You know who you are. The chemo club, to helping Ben and myself out with anything and everything. My parents for coming to stay and help every session.

‘I loved my surprise of you all being there with T-shirts, balloons, flowers and cake when I rang that chemo bell! THANK YOU!

‘My toughest journey yet but I did it. Honestly so many to thank but it’s so appreciated. All your love and support throughout this stage has been utterly amazing and I’ll never be able to thank you enough.’

Supportive: Amy said of her husband Ben: ‘Nothing will ever break us now!’

Ahead of the big day Amy admitted she had been ‘crying all morning’ as she arrived for her eighth and final round of chemo with her husband Ben.

She later shared a photo of herself and two others who had also completed their chemotherapy treatment.

Amy, who was officially diagnosed with the disease in May, found a lump in her right breast in April, a day before she and her husband Ben Jones jetted off for a belated honeymoon to the Maldives after their wedding last July.

The full Amy Dowden interview can be read in the December issue of Women’s Health UK, on sale now. 

Born to perform: Amy Dowden, 33, said she was ‘missing dancing so much’ after watching Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing from the studio audience

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