Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden hopeful of 'fabulous' return this series after cancer diagnosis

She is currently going through cancer treatment

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Amy Dowden has given an update on her plans to return to Strictly Come Dancing this year amid her ongoing cancer treatment. The 33-year-old dance professional, who has worked on the long-running BBC show since 2017, revealed she would be forced to miss the 2023 season due to health issues earlier this year.

Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May this year and underwent a mastectomy to battle the disease, as reported by The Mirror. Doctors then discovered the dancer has a grade three tumour in July and she has been undergoing chemotherapy to fight the cancer since.

Amy then encountered further health problems as she developed sepsis after undergoing her first round of the treatment. But while Amy continues her treatment, she is remaining upbeat, optimistic and hopeful about possibly appearing on the 2023 season of Strictly.

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The star has the support of show bosses who have been in touch to plan a special appearance, she explained. Amy told Hello! magazine: "I’ve been on the phone to the Strictly team today. They said they’re getting me some fabulous wigs ready [for any appearances]."

During her chat, Amy gave details about her frightening hospital dash after she contracted Sepsis – a vicious reaction to an infection that causes the body’s immune system to overreact and can be fatal. Amy initially thought she was just run down from chemo treatment but her mother made her seek help.

She recalled: "I began feeling sick and not quite right. I felt freezing cold but I was all clammy and shaking. My mum and dad rang my red card [which provides the chemotherapy team’s contact details and current treatment information] and they said to hang up and ring the ambulance.

"I didn't want to go into hospital; at the time I didn’t realise how ill I was. I knew it was a Saturday night, so A&E would probably be crowded, and it was dangerous being around people as it’s more likely you’ll pick up an infection. On chemo, you don't have your white blood cells to fight infection."

Last week Amy gave an update from hospital as she was being sent home after treatment and revealed she had discovered she had developed blood clots in "another hurdle". She wrote in an Instagram post: “I’m going home to my own bed! Thanks again to the marvellous NHS! Got some blood clots but I’m feeling good other than a sore and swollen arm. Another hurdle along this journey. But again forever grateful to the NHS and my heroes around me. Can’t wait to get into my own bed since Monday though.”

And despite her ongoing treatment, Amy is remaining incredibly upbeat. She stated in a more recent update that she is "making the most of the good days" as she belatedly celebrated her 33rd birthday with a giant pink cake.