The professional dancer was called back into hospital this week

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Amy Dowden has shared a brave smile from her hospital bed after revealing she’ll miss this weekend’s live show.

The professional dancer, 35, has undergone surgery and won’t be in the studio for Week 7 of the live show. Amy, who stepped back from competing earlier this series after partner Thomas Skinner’s elimination, had spoken earlier in the week about her upcoming operation.

She has now confirmed she’s had a second mastectomy – but reassured fans it wasn’t due to “a second cancer diagnosis”. Amy explained the procedure followed doctors finding “specks” on her other breast last month.

Despite everything, Amy’s courage and positivity continue to inspire fans, who have flooded her social media with messages of love and support.

Amy Dowden has updated fans from hospital after pulling out of Strictly Come Dancing (Credit: BBC)

Amy gives health update

Alongside two photos of herself siting in her hospital bed while holding as drain, Amy managed a smile. She was joined in the snaps by her husband Benjamin, her best friends and her parents.

Amy wrote on Instagram last night: “Thank you for all the messages and love. Sorry I’ve not replied to anyone, (only just looked at my phone). surgery went well and lots of sleep and resting up.

“Hubby & Family have been looking after me and the besties have turned up with the goods and nothing is stopping us from watching the traitors… keeping the tradition going.”

Amy has been flooded with well-wishes from her Strictly co-stars. Fellow show pro, Dianne Buswell, sent a flurry of red heart emojis, adding: “Heal and rest up Amy.”

Karen Hauer and Strictly Come Dancing host, Claudia Winkleman, also replied with heart emojis.

Amy Dowden pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing

Amy announced earlier this week that she will be ducking out of the current Strictly Come Dancing series. Although she is no longer competing, the professional dancers are still required to be in the studio and Clauditorium on the night of the live shows.

Amy promised she will still be watching from home tomorrow night – and in the following weeks. It is not known whether Amy will be well enough to return to the show before the series ends next month.

Before her operation, Amy said: “Hey everyone. As you all know, I’ve always been very open about my health and the care I receive. So I’d like to start by being clear what I am about to share is not to treat a new cancer diagnosis.

“However, following a recent appointment with my incredible medical team, we’ve decided that I’ll be having another mastectomy this week.”

The Welsh dancer added: “They’’re confident that, all going well, I can expect a straightforward recovery. Once I have healed I look forward to rejoining my Strictly family. Of course I’m going to miss not being there so much but I will be watching from home and look forward to cheering everyone on.”

Read more: Strictly star George Clarke opens up on ‘scary’ paparazzi incident with famous girlfriend: ‘Why is this relevant?’

When was Amy treated for cancer?

Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, shortly after her wedding. She had discovered a lump while on honeymoon.

The star underwent a mastectomy and gruelling chemotherapy before finally returning to Strictly in September 2024. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the series early due to stress fractures in her shin.

Amy was partnered this year with former Apprentice star Thomas. They were, however, eliminated in the second week.

Despite her current health plight, Amy will still feature in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing professional group dances. They were all pre-recorded for the Sunday Results show in the summer.

We wish Amy all the best in her recovery!