Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden's 'heartbreaking reality' and 'in tears'

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared her heartfelt experience during the 2024 series.

The 34 year old returned to the dance floor with celebrity partner JB Gill last year after taking time away from the programme due to her breast cancer battle.

Whilst delighted to be back, Amy admits her energy levels weren't quite where they had been previously, which knocked her confidence.

Chatting with fellow professional Carlos Gu following the conclusion of the Strictly tour, Amy expressed her pride in how much progress she's made during her recovery.

"I'm so proud of myself, being able to do 10 shows a week, because I wasn't sure my body was ever going to be capable of it," she shared on Loose Women earlier this week, reports Devon Live, reports Wales Online.

Reflecting on her post-chemotherapy experience, she went on to say it wasn't until last December that she truly felt her energy and strength coming back.

She said: "Everyday, after chemo, you start feeling stronger and better but it wasn't really until December when I was like, 'Oh yeah this is what it feels like to have your energy and your strength back', and I'm just so proud of how far I've come.

"Only in the last few weeks... because I look confident but I've really not been have I," she confessed, turning to Carlos.

"I spent most nights doing Strictly crying at your house wasn't I saying, 'My body feels different, my dancing isn't as good, I don't look or feel the same' but actually I really feel like Amy again and I'm so proud of how I've come."

Amy's stint on Strictly last year was cut short due to a foot injury, resulting in Lauren Oakley stepping in to dance with JB.

The duo made it to the final but were narrowly beaten to the Glitterball trophy by Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell.

In the same conversation, Amy shared an update on her aspirations to start a family with her husband Ben Jones.

She revealed: "I had a hormone-fed cancer, so I have been put into early menopause and it would be too dangerous now to consider it.

"But I really want to be a mum, I've always wanted to be a mum.

"We do have five embryos, and I hope one day, if it's safe to do so, I do get the privilege and honour to be someone's mum."