Strictly’s Amy Dowden shares update on her health as she continues to recover from foot injury which forced her to pull out of the show

Strictly star Amy Dowden revealed in an emotional statement that she is determined to ‘carry on’ as she continues to recover from a foot injury which forced her to withdraw from the show.

After undergoing treatment for stage 3 breast cancer last year, Amy, 34, was unable to take part in the show as she recovered from chemotherapy.

And this year the professional dancer made a triumphant return to the BBC ballroom with JLS singer JB Gill, 37. However, last week it was sadly announced that the dancer would be withdrawing from the competition due to the injury.

Amy revealed that she is now focusing on her recovery, saying in her statement: “A year later and I’m determined to keep pushing this next year!”

‘Thank you to everyone who messaged this past week, it really means the world! I’d be lying if I said I’m doing well, but I know I will and I’m lucky to have so many loved ones around me! 2025 sounds like an even better year.’

This year the professional dancer, 34, made a triumphant return to the ballroom with JLS singer JB Gill, 37 (both pictured in September)

However, last week it was unfortunately announced that the dancer would withdraw from the competition due to the injury

Since stepping back from the 20th anniversary series, Amy has been focusing on her recovery and previously said her doctors are optimistic she will be able to dance again in December.

Now she has given fans a glimpse into her rest and recovery process in a series of Instagram stories. The star was seen doing various exercises at a gym as she focused on her healing journey.

In one video, she can be seen beaming at the camera as she works out on an exercise bike. “Thank you @physios2u and @xfmerryhill for your amazing space that allowed us to help me and enjoy my recovery,” she wrote alongside the post.

In another clip, Amy is seen lifting a kettlebell as she shares her ambitions for the future.

She captioned the footage: “Some exercises today! I’m determined! Don’t become bitter, become better! Those dreams certainly don’t fade and I will always continue to work hard to be the best version of myself.’

The heartfelt post comes after Amy struggled to contain her emotions as she admitted she was ‘heartbroken’ at having to withdraw from the show and feels she has let her partner JB down.

Appearing on Lorraine last week, the Welsh dancer fought back tears as she confessed: ‘I’m heartbroken, I’ll try my best not to cry. I’m sorry it ended this way. I feel like I let JB down.”

Amy revealed the poignant reason why she was so keen to perform last weekend, explaining that a year ago Saturday was the day she rang the doorbell after completing her chemotherapy treatment.

Since stepping back from the 20th anniversary series, Amy has been focusing on her recovery and said her doctors are optimistic she will be able to dance again in December.

She also posted a video from last year of her completing her final round of chemotherapy and took a moment to reflect on her journey (pictured last year)

She told Lorraine: ‘Saturday 9 November marks one year since I raised the alarm about chemotherapy. We were going to do a carnival dance and it would be amazing.”

She added: “Saturday is going to be tough because I really wanted to dance on that floor and show myself how far I had come in one year.

“When I got my diagnosis, that was my goal and my dream to be back on the dance floor.”

Amy has been forced to withdraw from the competition due to an insufficiency fracture in her foot, an injury unrelated to the foot she broke earlier this year.

After being advised to rest for a few weeks without any impact, she assured viewers at the time: “I’m feeling good, I hope to be able to dance by the end of the series.” I’m determined.’

In one clip, Amy is seen lifting a kettlebell as she shared her ambitions for the future

She said: ‘A year on and I’m determined to keep pushing this next year! Thank you to everyone who messaged this past week, it really means the world!’

She continued, “I’d be lying if I said I’m doing well, but I know I’m doing well and I’m lucky to have so many loved ones around me! 2025 sounds like an even better year (pictured last week)

While Amy takes time to rest, JB continues the competition with Lauren Oakley who he performed with two weeks ago (pictured this month)

‘I have had many setbacks in my life and I tell myself: don’t become bitter, but become better. This will pass, but I’m heartbroken now.’

“I have to remember the glitter ball, for me there was no sign of illness and getting back on the dance floor.”

While Amy takes time to rest, JB continues the competition with Lauren Oakley who he performed with two weeks ago.

Elsewhere, the first two contestants of Strictly’s Christmas spin-off have been revealed, with Josh Widdicombe and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star Tayce becoming the first celebrities confirmed in the battle for the Silver Star trophy.