Amy Dowden’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Amy Dowden, a well-known professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has demonstrated remarkable resilience as she prepares for her upcoming tour, Reborn 2.0, starting on May 29, 2026. Her journey has been marked by significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease at the age of 19 and a battle with breast cancer.
In 2023, Dowden took a break from Strictly after being diagnosed with breast cancer, a situation that led her to undergo a second mastectomy in November of the same year. Despite these challenges, she has been in remission since last year and was honored as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2024 for her services to raising awareness about Crohn’s disease.
Dowden joined the professional line-up of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and has since danced with various partners, including Tom Fletcher, Brian Conley, and JJ Chalmers. In 2025, she was paired with Thomas Skinner, although their time on the show was marked by controversy regarding voting, leading to their elimination as the first couple.
Looking ahead, Dowden is excited about her tour with Carlos Gu, where they have already performed on a West End stage. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s officially happening and ON SALE FROM TODAY! Who’s rrrrready for Reborn 2.0!” Additionally, she mentioned, “We have added an extra date to kick off our tour on the 29th May in Dartford.”
Despite her health challenges, Dowden remains hopeful about her future in dance. She expressed a desire to return to Strictly, stating, “If I’m asked back, I’d love to get to Blackpool on Strictly to prove to myself that I’m back to where I was before cancer.”
As Dowden continues to navigate her career and health, her story serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing her determination and passion for dance.