In a poignant twist of fate, Amy Dowden, the beloved Strictly Come Dancing professional, was forced to miss the National Television Awards (NTA) due to her commitments filming the upcoming series of the BBC’s iconic dance show. Instead, her devoted parents stepped into the spotlight to represent her, as Amy was nominated for two prestigious awards: one for her personal documentary and another for Strictly Come Dancing itself. The clash of schedules, while a testament to her triumphant return to the dancefloor, underscored the bittersweet reality of her ongoing journey.
Speaking to Lorraine the week prior, Amy shared her disappointment about missing the NTAs. “Unfortunately no, the good thing is I’m back on Strictly and we’re recording the launch show,” she explained, her voice carrying both pride and a hint of regret. Her absence from the ceremony was not just a scheduling conflict but a reminder of the sacrifices demanded by her passion for dance and her resilience in the face of life-altering challenges.
Amy’s documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, was a contender in the Authored Documentary category, a deeply personal project that laid bare her battle with breast cancer. The BBC describes it as a “powerfully honest documentary” chronicling Amy’s fight for her health, her dreams of starting a family, and her determined return to dance after a diagnosis that shattered her world in 2023. Competing against compelling works like Molly-Mae Hague’s Behind It All, Freddie Flintoff’s rehabilitation journey, and There’s Only One Rob Burrow, Amy’s documentary stood out for its raw vulnerability and inspiring message.
When Molly-Mae Hague claimed the NTA win, Amy took to Instagram with grace and gratitude. “Huge congratulations to Molly Mae on your NTA win,” she wrote. “It’s been an honour to be nominated alongside such powerful and inspiring documentaries. I’m incredibly proud to have been nominated for my documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me. When I made the deeply personal decision to share my recent breast cancer journey, it was to raise awareness, promote early detection, and give hope and strength to others going through it.” At 35, Amy’s words resonated with thousands, her courage shining through despite the loss.
Her parents, who attended the NTAs in her stead, radiated pride. Sharing a heartfelt photo with her mum and dad, Amy revealed their touching words: “After this pic my mam just said ‘tonight was fab but the best thing of all is that we still have you’. You’re still with us!” The emotional post, adorned with tearful emojis, captured the profound love and relief of a family that has weathered the storm of Amy’s diagnosis. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, Amy received the all-clear in February 2024 but continues to navigate monthly hospital visits for treatment injections, a stark reminder of her ongoing journey.
Reflecting on her Strictly comeback, Amy told Lorraine, “I’ve worked on my strength and fitness, worked on myself mentally and physically because cancer diagnoses are tough, and I don’t think there’s enough out there about the reality of after the diagnosis and how long it takes to recover.” Her mission is clear: to offer hope to others facing similar battles. “I’ve hope to be able to give others hope who are going through a diagnosis as well,” she added, her words a beacon of resilience.
Amy’s documentary also earned her two nominations at the Welsh awards for presenter and documentary categories, further cementing her impact beyond the dancefloor. The new series of Strictly Come Dancing, which kicked off on September 20, sees Amy paired with Thomas Skinner, joining a star-studded lineup including Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein, Vicky Pattison, Stefan Dennis, Karen Carney, Ross King, and Lewis Cope.
While Amy may have missed the NTA ceremony, her presence was felt as Strictly Come Dancing claimed the Talent Show award. Last year’s celebrities, including Pete Wicks and JB Gill, accepted the honor on stage, a victory that celebrated the show’s enduring magic. For Amy, the night was a reminder of life’s delicate balance—her career’s demands pulling her away from one stage, yet her heart and story shining brightly on another. Her parents’ words echoed the truth that no award could rival: having Amy still with them, dancing through life’s highs and lows, is the greatest triumph of all.