Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has revealed that she’s been diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer.
The 32-year-old professional dancer – who has been a familiar face on the BBC show since 2017 – said it “wasn’t easy to share” the news, but took to social media this morning to reveal her devastating diagnosis to her hundreds of thousands of fans.
The Caerphilly-born TV star insisted that she’s “determined” to be back dancing soon though, despite her diagnosis.
Dowden, who Strictly fans will remember has been partnered on the show with stars including McFly’s Tom Fletcher, EastEnders actor James Bye, comedian Brian Conley, as well as making it all the way to the final and finishing runner-up with TV presenter Karim Zeroual, wrote on Instagram: “Hey all, I’ve got some news which isn’t easy to share.
“I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, but I’m determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it.”
Fellow Strictly pros, and countless famous names from the entertainment world who have appeared as contestants on the BBC series in the past, have flooded the comments section Dowden’s Instagram post to share their messages support.
Gemma Atkinson, Harry Judd, Clara Amfo, Stacey Dooley, Giovanna Fletcher, Joe Sugg, Alex Jones, and Susan Calman are just some of the former contestants to send their love.
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Well-wishes also came from Strictly stars Gorka Marquez, Oti Mabuse, Karen Hauer, Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell, and judge Motsi Mabuse.
Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden reveals she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer / Credit: BBC
Opening up about her breast cancer diagnosis in an exclusive interview with Hello! magazine, Dowden admitted: “I’ve been through quite a lot in my life and this is another hurdle. But if I’m positive and strong, I’ve got a really good chance of getting back out on the dancefloor as soon as possible.”
Dowden said she found a lump in her right breast back in April, and was told earlier in May that she has Grade Three breast cancer.
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“My doctor explained to me that there are three grades, and three is the most aggressive,” Dowden continued in her interview, “But they feel like they’ve caught mine early and to not be too alarmed because grade three would be expected in somebody of my age.”
She revealed that doctors have since found a second lump, and she is waiting for a full treatment plan – but says it will “definitely include surgery”.
Dowden has also suffered from Crohn’s disease since she was a child, and has spoken publicly about the impact the incurable bowel condition has on her life and her career as a professional dancer, as well as continuously raising awareness of the disease.
A documentary about her experiences of living with the condition aired on the BBC in October 2020, and went on to win a BAFTA Cymru award.
Her diagnosis also comes less than a year since she married her long-term dance partner Ben Jones.
Dowden says she hopes that speaking out about her diagnosis “could end up saving some other people’s lives because they start checking their breasts”.
Featured Image – BBC
TV & Showbiz
Anaïs, Molly and Gene Gallagher share the screen in a new phone advert
Danny Jones
The Gallagher kids have enjoyed a little reunion of their own as Noel’s daughter Anaïs, as well as Liam’s oldest and youngest children, Molly and Gene, have been doing a little bit of light acting in a new advert.
It’s been just over half a year now since Oasis broke the internet and British brains everywhere after confirming their comeback and ‘Live ’25’ world tour and we’re now just a few months out from seeing it in person a decade and a half since they last played together.
The family feud is one of the most famous in all of showbiz but one thing we’ve always wondered is how much of an impact it had on the Gallagher kids, especially now they’re adults.
Well, it turns out that since their dads have put their brotherly differences aside, their offspring look to have done the same.
The advert itself is for Samsung and their new Galaxy S25 Ultra model and, more specifically, its new ‘Auto Trim’ video editing feature.
Set at what looks to be a dinner party, the two previously estranged Gallagher daughters can be seen sending messages back and forth; meanwhile, Liam‘s youngest son Gene is merely in the background other than calling the whole thing “cringe”.
He’s already far too rock and roll for all this clearly.
After all, he and the rest of his Villanelle bandmates are starting to gain some traction and might have some of those reunion shows to get ready for. 25-year-old Anaïs still maintains he didn’t even hear anything about it from dad Noel until the announcement itself.
Either way, the main thing is that the gang are all back together. Wouldn’t ‘r Peggy be proud?
Yes, LG Jr. might be opening up for his dad as one of the support slots.
It’s worth noting that the advert isn’t the first time the Gallagher kids have been pictured with each other since the reconciliation, though.
Molly, Anaïs, Gene and Liam’s eldest Lennon – who wasn’t part of this cosy little commercial for whatever reason – were all spotted at London Fashion Week together back in September 2024.
Despite plenty of choice words having been shared across the family tree over the years, it looks as though all is said and done and now we just have to pray everyone stays friends until July. If the ‘plum story’ has taught us anything, it’s that is a very delicate ecosystem.
After a more recent and seemingly legit picture of the two seemingly getting on together surfaced online (they must have had at least one little spat by now, surely?), it’s feeling more and more real as the five nights at Heaton Park and all the other dates edge closer.
Not that half of us in the office even managed to get tickets, mind you…
Featured Image — Samsung (screenshot via Instagram)/Press Shot
TV & Showbiz
BBC looking for Mancs to test their music knowledge and win £10,000
Emily Sergeant
Consider yourself a music fan? Spend your days with tunes on in the background? Would you be able to identify a song within the first couple of seconds?
Well this might be your chance to win £10,000.
The BBC is currently casting for the next series of its smash-hit competition show The Hit List, where contestants get their music knowledge put to the ultimate test, and is now looking for people from across Greater Manchester to apply and be in with the chance of winning a massive pot of cash.
The Hit List, presented by popstar couple Marvin and Rochelle Humes, sees three pairs of music-lovers go up against each other.
The BBC is looking for Mancs to test their music knowledge and win £10,000 / Credit: BBC
Across three rounds, the contestants attempt to identify huge hits from across the years, and the three teams must prove their ability to recognise songs from across all genres of music, both artist and song title, if they want to take home the win.
A casting call for the next series of The Hit List on the BBC website reads: “Could your love of music win you a £10,000 cash prize? We are looking for lively pairs of contestants to take part.”
Any one can apply to take part in the show, but producers and casting directors say they would particularly love to hear from couples, grandparent and grandchild, siblings, best mates, and parent and offspring.
Emily Sergeant -
24th May 2023 
