Amy Dowden spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview ahead of her show tonight
Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden said she can't wait to perform in Liverpool tonight. The Welsh dancer is bringing her tour show, Reborn, to the M&S Bank Arena this evening.
The 34-year-old has been joined by her close friend and Strictly co-star, Carlos Gu, for the tour. The show has been partly inspired by Amy's rejuvenation as she has bounced back after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
In an exclusive interview with the ECHO earlier this year, Amy said: "I'm feeling like Amy again. I don't think it was until December when I was like 'this is what it felt like'. I've got my energy back. I've got my strength back.
"I feel an even better version of myself." Amy has dealt with her health journey publicly and shared candid updates throughout her cancer treatment.
The performer explained she made the decision to raise awareness about the dangers of cancer and show that people who have been diagnosed are not alone. She said: "I'd opened up about my Crohn's disease and I'd saw the impact that made. When I was diagnosed [with cancer], I knew it was going to come out to the public so I wanted to turn such a negative into a positive and hopefully get people checking themselves.
"Early detection saves lives. I never thought, at 32, I'd be diagnosed with breast cancer. If you're not checking yourself, then who is because you don't get mammograms until you're in your 50s.
"I wanted to raise awareness and get as many people as I possibly could checking themselves to save lives. But also make sure people who can get their mammograms are not missing their routine appointments.
"It was very scary and I did have doubts, but, ultimately, you've got to think of the bigger picture and I wanted to use the platform I've been so lucky to have been given to hopefully help others and save lives."
Amy had succeeded in her goal as she shared the powerful message that will always stick with her. She said: "A lady the same age as me messaged to say, 'I'm exactly the same as you. I've had to go for fertility treatments. I'm about to have my breast op, I've got to have chemotherapy. You made me realise I'm not alone and I'm not the only one.' She said, 'thank you for speaking out.'
"That, for me, was the reassurance I needed before I went down for surgery and that I'd done the right thing. That message will always stay with me."
Stories like this have inspired Amy to continue to speak out and spread the word about the impact cancer can have. She is now delighted to have returned to the dancefloor and said the passion for performing kept her going after her diagnosis.
She said: "There was many times when I didn't think I'd dance again. It does feel really special. I even think back to a year ago, and my body couldn't have done this.
"Two years ago I was about to go through this horrendous journey. To see how far I've come and to be back on stage doing what I love, I don't take it for granted. I make the most of every second and every beat on that dancefloor. I'm just so grateful for another shot at life."
Amy will take to the dancefloor tonight in the waterfront arena and has many special memories from her times visiting Merseyside in the past. The dancer explained why a Scouse audience is the perfect crowd for her vibrant new show.
She added: "They're always really loud, which I love. [My favourite things about Liverpool] are the accent and the very loyal people. I'm obsessed with the accent, you'll find me trying to do it.
"I always loved coming and competing in Liverpool. Dianne [Buswell] and I had a lovely spa day at the Titanic Hotel recently and then we went for a walk down the Docks. That was beautiful."
