Amy Dowden, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has shared her emotional journey about wanting to become a mother after being forced into medically-induced menopause following chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
At 35, Amy, who rose to fame after appearing on Strictly, revealed that the question of whether she will ever become a mother still hangs over her as a “big dark cloud.”
Diagnosed with cancer in May 2023, Amy underwent extensive treatment, including a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, and nearly lost her life to sepsis before undergoing a second surgery in November 2023.
In February 2024, she was given the all-clear and returned to Strictly Come Dancing, where she was paired with Thomas Skinner.
Amy, married to fellow dancer Ben Jones since 2022, revealed that the couple had previously frozen five embryos. “Obviously, there is a big dark cloud over me. Will I become a mother? I’ve wanted to be a mummy since I was a little girl,” she told The Mirror.
Reflecting on her childhood, Amy shared, “I was one of those girls who would always have a little baby Annabelle. And I have two gorgeous nephews, who I love to pieces. But we will cross that bridge when it comes to it and I will explore every option going.”
In December 2025, Amy shared a poignant post on social media, reflecting on her cancer battle. She posted two contrasting images: one showing her in a hospital bed, having lost her hair during chemotherapy, and another showing her healthier, more vibrant self.
In the emotional caption, Amy said, “Exactly two years apart THIS WEEKEND. When I see memories like this, it makes me so proud… The bottom picture was after I was rushed into hospital via ambulance very poorly. I didn’t know at the time but I had another blood clot on the lung, and also all the side effects of 8 rounds of gruelling chemotherapy.”
She continued, “I still remember now, as I entered the ambulance, I turned to [my husband] Ben and my dear friend and said cancer has taken me, I’ll never be the same again, I’ll never dance again… My foot was also broken, and I couldn’t see how I could ever get the old Amy back.”
The post, which showed Amy at her lowest point, also highlighted how far she had come: “Pic 2 two years later exactly, after a year of two dancing tours, Strictly, and fabulous opportunities, but most importantly three weeks after another mastectomy…”
Amy finished with a message of resilience: “It didn’t come easy, after a year of real hard work, but it got me feeling like me again. I’m posting this to show it’s POSSIBLE. Yes, it’s been hard but I DID IT. Cancer you didn’t take and will not take who I am!”
Recently, Amy also shared an update after her second mastectomy, revealing her progress and how proud she is of how far she’s come. “This picture was taken the day I came out of hospital, post-surgery! Tomorrow marks two weeks since my surgery, and I’m feeling proud of how far I’ve come… Focusing on the little things, I’m seeing gradual improvements in my movement and being able to do more each day.”
She urged everyone to take care of their health, adding, “But this week, I’ve really seen a difference and I’m feeling like me again. Please remember to check yourself.”
Amy’s story is one of strength, resilience, and the hope of one day becoming a mother despite the challenges she’s faced.
