Strictly Come Dancing favourite Amy Dowden has opened up about her journey to recovery and her hopes for the future.
Hannah McGreevy Assistant Editor
19:59, 28 Nov 2025
Amy Dowden appeared on The One Show(Image: BBC)
On today’s episode of The One Show, hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo were joined by broadcaster Sara Cox, EastEnders legend Jake Wood and Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden.
Amy joined the BBC presenters on the green sofa at the beginning of the show before leaving to present one of the Pearson National Teaching Awards.
The Welsh dancer, who is a fan favourite on Strictly, confirmed earlier this month that she had undergone a second mastectomy after first being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023.
However, she has said the procedure was “not to treat a new cancer diagnosis” but came following an appointment with her “incredible” medical team.
During tonight’s (November 28) show, Alex warmly told Amy that it was “lovely” to see her in the Blackpool episode of Strictly last week, before asking the dancer how she was feeling after her operation.
Amy Dowden is recovering from surgery(Image: Instagram/Amy Dowden)READ MORE: BBC Strictly fans issue same It Takes Two complaint saying ‘my head hurts’READ MORE: Inside Strictly star Balvinder Sopal’s forgotten soap role and ‘new pro partner’
“I’m feeling really well, thank you,” Amy confirmed. “Three weeks ago today I had another mastectomy.
“The first week to 10 days were a bit rough, but every day I’m feeling better and stronger and I’m just itching now to get back on the dance floor.
“When I’m fully recovered, obviously,” she added. “I’m not going to rush it, but I’m doing really well, thank you.”
Earlier this month, Amy also confirmed to her followers on social media that she expected a “straightforward recovery”, saying: “Once I have healed, I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family.”
Clara also asked about the special connection between Amy and Lynn Griffiths, the Welsh headteacher who she presented with tonight’s award.
Amy revealed: “My cousin’s children attend that school. So yeah, really special and being a Caerphilly girl, I’m very proud.”
Alex then pointed out the significant role teachers play in our lives, as Amy agreed: “Absolutely, Philip Perry to me, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Amy Dowden is known for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
“I wouldn’t have achieved half of what I have without him and there are no words to describe or thank him enough for all he’s done for me.
“So thank you so much, Philip, from the bottom of my heart. Teachers have a massive, massive impact.”
Later in the show, Amy presented Lynn with a lifetime achievement award, who said he was “shocked but immensely proud”.
Elsewhere on the show, Sara spoke about her recovery following her epic 135 mile run, which saw her raise over £9.5 million for Children in Need.
She also discussed her emotional new series, The Marvellous Miniatures Workshop, which follows professional model makers as they “bring places, people and iconic moments in time to life”.
Meanwhile, Jake also opened up about his EastEnders comeback, as well as the show’s first ever flash-forward episode.
The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
