Amy Dowden dealt “double blow” as she faces fertility treatment in emotional Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me clip

As a follower and empathizer, I can truly relate to Amy Dowden’s courage and resilience. Her journey is inspiring, not just because of her dance career, but more so because of her bravery in facing cancer head-on at such a young age. It’s heartbreaking to hear about her concerns regarding fertility issues due to her treatment, but I applaud her for taking control and seeking help.


This evening (26th August), a new BBC One documentary will see Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden take audiences on the difficult journey she’s experienced since her cancer diagnosis last year.

In February, Dowden announced that she’s now cancer-free, having been initially diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023. The show will chronicle her journey as she undergoes surgery, chemotherapy, and navigates the uncertainties that come with this experience.

“I just said, ‘What about starting a family?’, ’cause this is something Ben [Jones, her husband] and I were about to begin,” she says at the start of the clip.

“And he [the doctor] said to me, because chemo destroys your eggs, there’s a possibility it might cause fertility issues. And then he said, when I finally do chemo I’ll need to look at fertility treatment to save my eggs.”

With tears in her eyes, she responds: “Clearly, that was a significant setback. It’s like two punches… one from the cancer diagnosis, followed by the challenge with fertility.”

Amy Dowden dealt “double blow” as she faces fertility treatment in emotional Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me clip

We then hear from Ben, who explains:  “Amy really wants children and she was actually ready for them now. Obviously I want to have kids as well, so it’s difficult.”

Towards the closing moments of the video, Amy and Ben share that they’re heading to consult a fertility expert. Amy expresses to the audience that she’s eager to learn about the possibilities open to her.

“At the moment I don’t know,” she says. “All I want to hear is the words, ‘We can do something.’”

You can watch the clip above ahead of the full documentary’s broadcast on BBC One this evening.

“I never thought at 32 years old I would be diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “If it wasn’t for the Coppa Feel trek, I wouldn’t have ended up checking myself and if I hadn’t found it with the grade three, I wouldn’t be here right now.

“I just want people to know to not wait until you’re in your 50s to have mammograms. You need to be checking yourself. If you’re not checking, who is? And if just 10 people from watching this documentary ended up checking themselves, I could potentially save a life.”

Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me airs on Monday 26th August at 8pm on BBC One.

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2024-08-26 12:33