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Amy Dowden credits Strictly partner for convincing her not to quit dancing
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has said her friend and fellow dancer Carlos Gu helped persuade her not to give up dancing after she was forced to leave the 2024 series due to breast cancer treatment. The 35-year-old, from Wales, said she reached an "ultimate low" following her diagnosis, but with "tough love" and support from Gu and her husband Ben Jones she regained the confidence to return, and has since confirmed she will be back on Strictly for the 2026 series.
Dowden was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy, still feeling its effects when she rejoined Strictly in 2024. She and Gu now appear together in the latest series of Celebrity Hunted, filmed in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, during which cameras followed Dowden receiving chemotherapy while on the run from hunters alongside five other celebrity pairs. Gu, who has lost family members to cancer, said the experience was difficult to witness but described Dowden as an inspiration, while both said meeting members of the public during filming had restored their faith in humanity. Celebrity Hunted begins on Channel 4 on 3 August.
In short
- Amy Dowden credits Carlos Gu with helping her keep dancing after cancer
- She will return to Strictly's 2026 series after treatment
- Both appear in Celebrity Hunted for Stand Up To Cancer, starting 3 August
Explained simply
Amy Dowden is a professional dancer on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy and surgery, which forced her to step away from the show in 2024 during her treatment.
Following her diagnosis, Dowden reached what she described as an "ultimate low" and considered giving up dancing entirely. However, her fellow Strictly professional Carlos Gu and her husband Ben Jones provided "tough love" and support that helped restore her confidence and convince her to continue with the sport she loves.
Dowden and Gu have since worked together on Celebrity Hunted, a reality television show where participants are pursued whilst completing tasks, with proceeds benefiting Stand Up To Cancer. Gu, who has lost family members to cancer, has spoken about how witnessing Dowden's resilience throughout the experience was inspiring, whilst both have said the show reinforced their faith in human kindness.
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