Strictly Come Dancing‘s professional dancer, Amy Dowden, has revealed that she discussed the « impact of chemotherapy » with King Charles during her honouring at Buckingham Palace.
The Welsh performer, who suffers from Crohn’s disease, described being officially recognised as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to fundraising and raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease as an « out-of-body experience » following Tuesday’s ceremony.
In 2023, Dowden was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after returning from her honeymoon with husband Ben Jones and she disclosed in the 2024 BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me that she had preserved some embryos.
The Royal Family has also openly shared their experiences with cancer. Last year, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles had undergone treatment for cancer, while the Princess of Wales declared in January that she was in remission from the disease after receiving chemotherapy.
Speaking post-ceremony, Dowden mentioned that she had conversed with the king about her recovery from cancer.
She stated: « We spoke about my recovery from chemotherapy and the impact of chemotherapy on my body. »
Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Dowden disclosed in 2019 that she was living with Crohn’s disease and discussed her struggles with the condition in a BBC documentary titled Strictly Amy: Crohn’s And Me.
Three years later, she was hospitalised in Manchester due to a Crohn’s flare-up while participating in the Strictly live tour.
Dowden expressed that the honour « hasn’t sunk in yet », and she remains committed to her work raising awareness and funds for Crohn’s and colitis.
Amy reflected: « It’s really surreal, it’s been like an out-of-body experience but is it true honour to get an MBE and I will forever do what I can to raise awareness and fundraise for Crohn’s and colitis, and Crohn’s & Colitis UK charity, and also, recently as well for breast cancer getting as many people as I possibly can to check themselves as earlier detection saves lives.
« It’s an incredible honour, and one that still hasn’t sunk in yet. »
When asked about her proudest career moment, Dowden confessed she still couldn’t believe she had become a British champion dancer with her now-husband.
She added: « Obviously, being the first ever Welsh professional dancer to join Strictly Come Dancing but I’m also super proud of my documentaries I’ve made for Crohn’s disease and breast cancer, and raising awareness and, obviously, getting an MBE. »
Marianne Radcliffe, chief executive of charity Crohn’s & Colitis UK, praised the dancer in a statement, saying she had helped « normalise conversations » about the conditions through her openness and honesty.
Radcliffe stated: « People never used to talk about Crohn’s or colitis, but Amy has really helped to normalise conversations about these conditions by being open and honest, and adding some of her trademark sparkle.
« Every year, 25,000 people in the UK are told they have inflammatory bowel disease, and there will be many who feel less afraid about what lies ahead because of her work.
« She has inspired so many with her determination and considerable achievements and we are proud to have Amy as a Crohn’s & Colitis UK ambassador. »
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