Amy Dowden is set to star in a new BBC documentary that follows the Strictly star’s fight to dance again following a terrifying cancer diagnosis at the age of 32. Amy Dowden: Fight of My Life will show how the dancer had to put her honeymoon on hold as she was thrown into a world of surgery, chemotherapy, fertility treatment and uncertainty.
Back in 2023, the Strictly favourite had just recently married husband Benjamin Jones when she discovered a lump on her breast the night before they were set to jet off in celebration of tying the knot. After that, every facet of Amy’s world was torn apart when tests later revealed she had breast cancer.
Six days after her diagnosis, the Welsh star decided to document her cancer ordeal in the hope that it might help others. Over the course of 16 months, she subsequently allowed cameras to capture her most difficult moments as well as her biggest triumphs.
In her new show, viewers will see raw and deeply personal scenes of Amy fighting for her life, but they will also see her joy at the time her Strictly family find a way to include her in the 2023 final professionals’ dance. Amy’s family, friends and fellow dancers will also play an important role in the documentary, as they stay with her every step of the way.
Amy hopes that, by opening up about her ordeal, she can raise awareness and touch the lives of others affected by the brutal disease. She said: “A year ago, I was recently married and about to go on honeymoon.
“It was an exciting new chapter in my life, but finding a lump on my breast changed my life.
“I never thought at my age I would get cancer and, despite having family members and friends who were cancer survivors, had no idea just what the impact on my life would be.
“I’ve learnt so much about myself and what a cancer diagnosis means on this journey.
“I hope others find hope and strength from this film, and that it encourages everyone to check themselves, no matter what age you are.”
BBC Cymru Wales’ Head of Commissioning Nick Andrews said: “The courage and resilience Amy has shown over the past couple of years is without doubt.
“To then have the strength to also allow cameras follow her deeply personal experience in the hope that something positive will come out of what has been such a difficult experience for her and her family is nothing short of extraordinary. This film is very inspiring.”
While Wildflame Productions CEO Paul Islwyn Thomas added: “We’re all so grateful to Amy, her family and friends, for allowing Wildflame to be with her in what has been the most challenging time of her life.
“Without Amy’s openness and candour, we would not have been able to make the film we have made.
“It’s been a huge privilege for our team, led by Jacci Parry, to have been with Amy every step of the way and to be able to share her inspirational and personal story with a wide audience on the BBC. Amy truly is one amazing lady.”
Amy expressed her joy yesterday and rejoining the Strictly lineup for 2024 alongside stars like Katya Jones, Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, Jowita Przystal, and Neil Jones.
Also returning are Vito Coppola, Nikita Kuzmin, Graziano Di Prima, Kai Widdrington, Nadiya Bychkova, Carlos Gu, Nancy Xu, Luba Mushtuk, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Amy Dowden: Fight of My Life will air on BBC One, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer this summer
