21 September 2023 , 23:01
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Strictly Come Dancing pro Katya Jones has revealed the touching dedication she always makes to Amy Dowden, in light of her BBC One co-star's breast cancer diagnosis.
The Russian choreographer joined Cancer Research UK this week to promote its pre-loved items campaign, explaining to Women's Health that the timing of her collaboration with the charity "couldn't be better." It comes shortly after Amy announced she'd taken 'control' of her cancer journey by shaving her head as she marks the half way point of her chemotherapy treatment.
"I feel I can now see the finish line. This for me was a hurdle I couldn't even bring myself to think or speak about. I've done it and I've also crossed the half way chemo line!" the 33-year-old wrote in the caption of the emotional video posted to her Instagram on Wednesday. "I just wanted to keep my identity with my hair and I tried telling myself it wouldn’t go. But I would dread the pain of waking up to the shredding everyday."
Katya, who first joined Strictly in 2016, has never been shy about her close friendship with Amy. She publicly gushed about her the Welsh dancer's wedding to Benjamin Jones in 2022, taking to Instagram to call the romantic event "beautiful" and share touching photos of the occasion.
Amy Dowden shaved her hair off on Thursday as she marks the halfway point of her cancer treatment (Instagram)
Katya Jones has revealed she now always dedicates a practice to Amy (BBC/Ray Burmiston)"We watched them tied the knot, we laughed, we cried, we danced , we celebrated their love!" she told her followers at the time. Amy has also previously said that Katya was there for her when she needed to be hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing on a Hello! Instagram Live in June 2020 that the dance champ had even called an ambulance for her once.
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"It was definitely an experience," added Katya, who was also on the livestream. "I'm so glad that I was there Amy, because I know exactly what I have to do. I feel like I can be there for you at any time, I'm not afraid of it."
Over three years on, it appears nothing has changed between the close friends. Katya has now revealed that she begins every yoga class with a tribute to Amy, and how this same mentality has inspired her to get involved in Cancer Research's pre-loved campaign.
"At the start of my yoga class, [we’re told to] dedicate the practice to someone or to something," she revealed. "Every time now I'm dedicating to Amy." It’s the same with this process and with this campaign. It's definitely got a solid purpose and a reason. We are helping people with cancer, and it might save lives."
Katya, who is partnered with EastEnders star Nigel Harman on the 21st series of the glitzy dance competition, went on to share how Cancer Research's UK's pre-loved initiative - which is also being supported by British snowboarder Aimee Fuller - aligns with her own beliefs.
"My ethos met its purpose…I wasn't just now [practicing sustainable fashion practices] because it's fun and because it's good to do. Now there is a bigger, bigger, bigger reason to do this, a bigger purpose," she explained, in reference to Amy's diagnosis.
Katya is also no stranger to ethical and sustainable fashion, having picked up many eco-friendly tips and tricks at the Strictly Come Dancing costume department over the past few years.
"Honestly, they are the best with upcycling, reusing, repurposing. I wore a dress that was someone's Waltz dress [and they turned it into] my Samba outfit. They find ways to reuse it and give them new flair and style, it’s unreal. I take my hat off to them. If you can't find me during Strictly filming, I am in the wardrobe department. That’s my second home.”
*Read the full interview on the Women’s Health UK website.