11 September 2023 , 23:01
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Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden had an emotional reunion with her fellow pro dancers after her cancer diagnosis.
The 33-year-old got a standing ovation as she joined them for a photoshoot at the end of filming for one of their pre-recorded group dances.
The Radio Times, who organised the shoot, said: “Tears are shed – and when she finally steps back on to the floor, the audience of die-hard Strictly fans treat her to a spontaneous standing ovation.”
Amy, who joined the popular BBC series back in 2017, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May and had a mastectomy. She is not dancing while having chemotherapy, but says she will still be a part of the show’s 21st series, which begins on Saturday.
Amy Dowden receives poignant standing ovation from Strictly co-stars as they reunite (PA)
Amy was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer earlier this year (Instagram/ @amy_dowden)Amy said: “I don’t think I could get through the next few months without Strictly. I’ll be part of the show in different areas. It’s the tonic I need.” Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima said: “There are no words to describe her strength.”
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Amy said she wanted to be open about the effects of chemo, and spoke of her “heartbreak” at losing her hair. She said: “As much as I prepared myself, combing my hair and seeing what comes out… it is just heartbreaking.”
It comes after Amy was flooded with support from fans after she posed on the National Television Awards red carpet. The professional dancer stunned as she made an appearance at the glitzy awards show in a gorgeous pink gown.
Amy shared how she was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer earlier this year. She has been staying positive and keeping fans updated on her health since sharing her cancer news in July.
As the dancer made her way inside the O2 Arena for television's most glamourous night, fans screamed: “We love you Amy” and “You’re inspiring”. Amy oozed glamour as she beamed for the cameras, with her hair in loose waves. Last week, Amy shared how she'd had the "perfect" day catching up with her Strictly Come Dancing colleagues and being "Strictlyfied" by the BBC show's hair and make-up team.
The Welsh dancer shared highlights and snippets from her fun day with her 494,000 Instagram followers ahead of resuming her chemotherapy treatment. Posting to her Instagram Stories with a big smile on her face, telling her followers: "Bloods are good and I have the best day ahead before chemo tomorrow! Any guesses where I'm off?"
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.