Amy Dowden breaks down in tears as the Strictly star shares heartbreaking toll of cancer: 'I've always wanted to be a mum'

Amy Dowden was reduced to tears during tonight's second episode of Celebrity Hunted on Channel 4, as she opened up about her fears that motherhood may never be possible for her following her battle with breast cancer.

The 35-year-old Welsh dancer, who is paired with fellow Strictly star Carlos Gu on the show, became emotional during a candid conversation in the garden of co-star Neil Jones's home, where the pair were hiding out.

The moment came after Ms Dowden had been playing with Mr Jones's daughter Havana.

"Obviously I've always wanted the honour of being a mum, and obviously I don't know if that's going to be possible," she told Mr Gu through tears.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Speaking to camera, she added: "A cancer diagnosis changes your life forever."

Ms Dowden received her stage three breast cancer diagnosis in May 2023, aged 32, after discovering a lump just as her delayed honeymoon was about to begin.

She endured an arduous course of treatment that included a mastectomy to remove two tumours, followed by chemotherapy.

During that process, doctors identified a second form of cancer, which required further rounds of chemotherapy.

By February 2024, medical tests confirmed there was no evidence of disease remaining.

However, the following year she opted for a preventative mastectomy on her other breast, a precautionary step recommended by her medical team rather than a response to any new diagnosis.

Despite being cancer-free, the dancer continues to attend hospital for regular check-ups, monthly injections, scans and follow-up treatments as part of a five-year recovery programme.

Her cancer treatments and anti-oestrogen medications forced her body into an induced early menopause, creating a significant barrier to starting a family.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Brendan Cole unleashes savage verdict on new-look BBC Strictly as former blasts lack of 'class'
• Marvel star reveals Olympic coach was brought in to teach him how to run for new TV role
• Scarlett Moffatt reveals 'hardest month of our lives' after two devastating family deaths

Before beginning treatment, Ms Dowden and her husband Ben Jones took the precaution of freezing five embryos.

Doctors have warned her that pregnancy hormones could heighten the risk of her cancer returning, making conception too dangerous for the time being.

Her medical team advised waiting a minimum of two years after treatment, as the likelihood of recurrence is greatest during that period.

At Channel 4's Stand Up to Cancer event in December, she said: "I've been put into menopause because of my hormone-fed cancer.

"I don't know if I'll ever have the honour of becoming a mum which I desperately want to."

Reflecting on her broader cancer journey, Ms Dowden has spoken about feeling "traumatised" when doctors requested further investigations after she believed her treatment was complete.

She recalled attending a Girls Aloud concert shortly after learning she needed a biopsy, where the group paid tribute to Sarah Harding, who died from breast cancer in 2021 aged 39.

"I remember Kimberley looking down on me, literally on stage, and she could see I was in floods of tears," she said.

Kimberly Walsh later comforted her backstage.

"I've been given another shot at life, and I want to embrace it and take every opportunity that comes my way," she said on tonight's programme.

She is currently preparing to return to Strictly Come Dancing later this year.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter