Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden admitted she felt like she had let cancer survivors down after her 2025 elimination.
Dancer Amy, who appears on Celebrity Gogglebox on June 26, first shared in May 2023 that she had been diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer. Fortunately, by February 2024, Amy said there was “no evidence of the disease” left in her body after a mastectomy and chemotherapy. She returned to the 2024 series, only for a foot injury to force an early exit from the competition.
Last year, she was back on the Strictly dance floor as part of the 2025 line-up. However, her time on the show was cut short as she and celeb partner Thomas Skinner became the first couple to get booted out of the show.
Following her exit, Amy made a heartbreaking confession.
Amy Dowden on being voted off Strictly first
In October last year, the first star was eliminated from the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. And unfortunately for Amy and partner Thomas Skinner, their time was up. While many fans thought it was the right decision, they all wanted more for her.
Especially considering her tough few years after her cancer battle, and having to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing the year before due to injury.
However, reflecting on her 2025 elimination Amy shared that she felt like she had let the “cancer community” down.
‘I feel like I’ve let them down’
“I’m gutted to be out of the competition because I really wanted to represent cancer survivors – and I feel like I’ve let them down,” she told MailOnline in October last year.
Amy went on: “I wanted Thomas to go far but, selfishly, I wanted to do it for the cancer community. Since my diagnosis, I came back, got pulled out, came back again and then finished last.”
Nonetheless a defiant Amy also added: “But I keep telling myself, coming back onto Strictly and getting back on the dancefloor will show ladies and men there is life after a cancer diagnosis.”
Amy Dowden on her exit
Amy also addressed her Strictly exit during an appearance on It Takes Two with Thomas. When host Janette Manrara asked the dancing pro what she will miss about working with Thomas, Amy appeared to get emotional.
She revealed: “It was his work ethic. But also the laughs in the studio. Just getting to know Tom. It was a short but sweet time.”
Amy also praised Tom for his learning abilities, reminding everyone he had never danced before.
She admitted: “I was so impressed. An absolute beginner. In terms of the entertainment world, you are not an actor or performer. I was so proud of you. And the development from the first day learning to get on the dance floor. You worked so hard, and it was so much fun.”
Read more: Celebrity Gogglebox 2026: Strictly favourites Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu announced for show
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