Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden made a subtle nod to her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis as she walked the red carpet at Tuesday night’s National Television Awards (NTAs).
The BBC star, who is undergoing her third round of chemotherapy, happily posed for photos in a blush-coloured tulle gown for the evening’s festivities at London’s O2 Arena.
Then, in a subtle nod to her diagnosis, the professional dancer placed a breast cancer awareness pin on the dress’ bodice.
Later in the evening, Fleur East, who was recently announced as the host of Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, paid touching tribute to Dowden as the show picked up Best Talent Show.
“It’s extra special because we are joined by the fabulous Amy Dowden on stage who looks absolutely incredible,” East said as the crowd cheered in agreement.
Former contestant Tyler West added: “We love you Am, honestly.”
Hours before her red carpet appearance Dowden gave her social media followers a heath update, explaining that she had been suffering from several different side effects from her chemotherapy.
She added the steroids had resulted in her having a “moonface”, as the medication often causes swelling and puffiness, but that she was “used to it by now.”
The dancer began: “I’m definitely feeling more like Amy today. [My] mouth is covered in mouth ulcers, and some are quite swollen.
“Obviously losing the hair still, and you can’t sleep because of the steroids but you’re so tired.
“So those are symptoms I’ve got but I’ve not ended up in hospital so far after this admission so that’s a win-win,” she said in reference to contracting sepsis during her first round of chemotherapy.
Despite her symptoms, the ballroom star insisted that she was beginning to feel like herself again after taking time off social media.
Since going public with her diagnosis, Dowden has kept her fans up-to-date with her cancer treatment, from undergoing a single mastectomy to her delight at having wigs made.
While she is unable to take part in Strictly 2023, she recently teased a return to the series after visiting the set.
