Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden has been supported by fans as she shared a devastating loss. The Welsh professional dancer was partnered with former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner on the latest series of the BBC dancing programme. They became the first couple to leave the competition after Thomas was voted into the dance-off against former England rugby star Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova.
Despite their early exit, Amy has remained positive and regularly shares updates from her day-to-day life, much to the delight of her 728,000 followers on Instagram. It’s been a difficult year for Amy throughout her recovery process and often posts updates on her health.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. After undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment, Amy revealed in February last year that tests showed “no evidence of disease”, which meant she returned to the BBC dance show in September 2024.
However, the road to recovery has not been the easiest for Amy and she has had many hospital visits over the past year. She was also faced with undergoing a second mastectomy last month.
While Amy is set to return to screens this weekend for the highly-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing finale, she recently took to social media to share the devastating loss of a close friend, who was her first dance teacher.
In an emotional post, Amy informed her followers: “Yesterday we lost my dancing hero [heartbroken emoji] like a second dad to me! You both have been like parents to me. Philip my first ever dance teacher who guided me through my entire career.
“I wrote Phil a letter when I was a teenager to tell him he gave me my wings to fly. He mentioned it in his speech at my wedding and told me how much it meant to him last week.
“I hope you truly know how much you will always mean to me, how I am who I am today and all the opportunities and achievements are down to you both. So many dancing but other special memories together.
“From Christmas Day 2021 where we cried belly laughing all together, you coming to Strictly on my first year and I got you up, making a speech at my wedding (which was very long )…. dress shopping with Carol where we dragged you to every shop.
“The list goes on and I’m so lucky to have these memories! I’m so sad I won’t hear your jokes, your advice, see you dance again but I’ll keep you forever in my heart.
“Your legacy will live on. Dancing in Wales would not exist without you both! You created, impacted so much and changed so many lives.
“My heart is aching so much for Carol losing her true love on her birthday but I see it now as the date belongs to Phil’s story too, and his life was you through and through. Forever connected!
“Sending my love and strength to Carol, Sean, Kay, Lloyd, Ella and all at shappelles! Phil I’ll be dancing for you tomorrow night and always. Your Amy xxxxx.”
Taking to the comments on social media, Amy’s followers rushed to send their support. One said: “So sorry Amy” with a red love heart emoji.
A second wrote: “Sorry for your loss Amy…sending you and those you love positivity and love.”