08 October 2023 , 11:47
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Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared an emotional message she received after appearing live on the show for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
The 33-year old revealed in May that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, before revealing she had been diagnosed with "another type of cancer" in July and said she wouldn't be competing with a celebrity partner as she undergoes chemotherapy.
Amy surprised her co-stars on Saturday night by appearance as she read out the terms and conditions for voting, before revealing she was "halfway" through her treatment and hoped to return to the show soon. Following an emotional visit from Amy, the professional dancer took to her Instagram to post a touching message of support she had received from a fan.
The post from a X (formerly Twitter) user read: "Amy Dowden choosing not to wear a wig on #Stritcly tonight has just shown every little girl going through chemo that bald is beautiful. What a role model."
Amy Dowden was flooded with support over her appearance on the showAmy shared the post on her own Instagram feed and explained how her decision to appear on the show without a wig – after shaving her head in a recent emotional video amid her chemotherapy – felt "liberating".
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The message seemed to strike a chord with Amy's 573,000 followers, meanwhile, with one responding: "It was just an epic moment for every little girl, teenager woman, man going through this hard journey that they are not alone. So brave of you Amy to do this but what awareness you are raising and normalising this for so many of us. You are phenomenal." Another penned: "I wore a hat for about a year when I had chemo. I was so embarrassed of my bald head. I wish I’d had a role model like you back then to show that it’s FAR from embarrassing. You’re incredible."
A third added: "I remember taking my headscarf off mid dance when I was bald and it was equally the most scary yet empowering thing I’ve ever done. Well done you for being so brave and showing there can be a good life even with a breast cancer diagnosis and when you are looking a little different." And a fourth said: "Such an inspiration, the best role model and i couldn’t be prouder of you. by your side always and supporting you forever."
Adding to her post, meanwhile, Amy referred to her appearance without a wig as "liberating" as she thanked fans for their ongoing support. Amy wrote: "There are no words to describe the pure joy and happiness I felt last night being back with my @bbcstrictly family."
She continued: "It is their love and support that gave me the courage to decide last minute to step out and brave the bald. It’s messages like the above which is why I use my platform to raise awareness and hopefully give others confidence #baldisbeautful.
"Not saying it was easy and I still miss my long hair dearly but gosh did it feel liberating and it’s breast cancer awareness month which gave me that extra push to do it. Can’t wait to back there with the strictly family again soon. Thanks for all the love guys #strictly #myhappyplace #strictlyfamily #termsandconditions #breastcanceryoung #breastcancerawarenessmonth."