Strictly Come Dancing bosses are not considering a replacement for Amy Dowden following her breast cancer diagnosis, it has been reported.
On Wednesday, the 32-year-old professional dancer revealed to heartbroken fans that she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer just last week. She shared she found a lump in her breast the day before going on her honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones in April.
Taking to social media, Amy wrote: "Hey all, I've got some news which isn't easy to share. I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but I'm determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it. Welsh love Amy."
Amy, from South Wales, has previously opened up about the heartbreak of watching her mother suffer cancer at a young age. She said: “My Mum had thyroid cancer and breast cancer when I was younger, and it was tough to watch her go through it.
“It’s important to remember the effect cancer has on the whole family – it can be just as difficult watching your loved one go through it, and that can take a toll on everyone’s health.”
While it is unknown if Amy will be able to return for the upcoming season, BBC bosses are keen to keep the door open for her to return for special episodes in the competition.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "They won't be recasting a replacement for Amy and even if she isn't well enough to take part in a full series, they'll strive to have her back showcasing her amazing skills in some form.
"That might be in the form of a performance with other pros or even this year's Christmas special. Either way, the door remains open for her to return at a time and manner of her choosing."
This isn't Amy's first health battle as she has dealt with gut condition Crohn's disease since she was a child and said she has already been through 'quite a lot' in her life with health struggles.
She told Hello! Magazine: "You just don't ever think it's going to happen to you. I hadn't thought it was possible to get breast cancer at my age. My mum has had breast cancer, but she had it at a later age, in her 50s."
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here .
READ NEXT:
- Robbie Williams opens up on 'sexless' marriage to wife Ayda Field admitting they would rather watch Netflix
- Helen Skelton rumoured to be new host of Strictly's spin-off show 'It Takes Two'
Ant McPartlin's marriage to ex-wife Lisa 'destroyed by addiction' before his fling with assistant
- Rylan Clark furiously quashes 'rumours' over why he quit Strictly It Takes Two
- Strictly Come Dancing pros 'seething' as judges demand payrise while dancers stuck on fixed rate
