Amy Dowden is a Welsh professional dancer known to millions as a Strictly Come Dancing star. Her journey from the ballroom to a cancer ward has been followed by fans around the world. This article covers her diagnosis, treatment, family life, career highlights, and what she has said about the future.
Born in Caerphilly, Dowden became the first Welsh professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. She reached the final in 2019 and has since become a powerful advocate for cancer awareness and Crohn’s disease. In 2024 she was awarded an MBE for her charitable work.
Below is a complete overview of her health journey, personal background, and professional achievements, based on verified sources.
What Type of Cancer Did Amy Dowden Have?
Amy Dowden MBE – Welsh Dancer, Cancer Warrior
Born 10 August 1990, Caerphilly, Wales
Quick Stats
Strictly finalist (2019) | 720K Instagram followers | MBE 2024 | Cancer survivor
Current Status
Currently recovering from breast cancer; returning to Strictly? (as of 2025)
Key Insights
- Amy Dowden was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in 2023, underwent mastectomy and chemotherapy.
- She is a Welsh professional dancer who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and reached the final in 2019.
- Amy is married to Ben Jones; they have no children as of 2025 but have spoken about IVF.
- She has a twin sister named Rebecca, who is not in the public eye.
- Amy is an ambassador for Crohn’s & Colitis UK and a patron of Tenovus Cancer Care.
- Her Instagram account (@amy_dowden) has over 720K followers and chronicles her cancer journey and dance career.
- She published a Sunday Times bestselling memoir; the paperback edition was released in August 2025.
Snapshot Facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amy Dowden |
| Date of Birth | 10 August 1990 |
| Birthplace | Caerphilly, Wales |
| Occupation | Professional ballroom and Latin dancer |
| Known For | Strictly Come Dancing (2017–present) |
| Spouse | Ben Jones |
| Children | None |
| Twin Sister | Rebecca Dowden |
| Cancer Diagnosis | Grade 3 breast cancer (2023) |
| Treatment | Mastectomy, chemotherapy |
| Honors | MBE (2024) |
| Instagram Followers | 720K |
Who Is Amy Dowden’s Husband? Personal Life Explored
Amy Dowden is married to Ben Jones, a fellow dancer and her long-time partner on and off the floor. The couple met through competitive dancing and became British National Latin Dance Champions in 2016 – the first all-British pair to win the title in over 30 years.
How long have Amy Dowden and her husband been together?
They have been dancing partners for many years and married before her cancer diagnosis. The exact date of their wedding is not widely publicised, but it is confirmed they are married.
Does Amy Dowden’s husband appear on Strictly?
Ben Jones has not appeared as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. He is a professional dancer and choreographer in his own right, but he has not been a regular part of the show’s lineup.
Amy and Ben met through dance and won the British National Latin Dance Champion title together in 2016. They remain a close duo both personally and professionally.
Does Amy Dowden Have Children or a Baby?
As of 2025, Amy Dowden does not have children. She and her husband Ben Jones had hoped to start a family before her cancer diagnosis, which impacted her fertility plans. She has spoken openly about undergoing fertility treatments during and after cancer.
Is Amy Dowden planning to have children?
She has discussed IVF in interviews, but no official confirmation about future plans has been made. The topic remains personal and evolving.
Does Amy Dowden have a baby?
No. She has no children as of 2025. Any reports suggesting otherwise are unconfirmed.
Does Amy Dowden Have a Twin Sister?
Yes, Amy Dowden has a twin sister named Rebecca Dowden. Rebecca is not in the public eye and leads a private life away from the media. This has led to some confusion in online searches, but the fact is clearly established.
Rebecca Dowden is not a public figure and does not appear in Amy’s professional or social media content.
Amy Dowden’s Strictly Come Dancing Career and Achievements
When did Amy Dowden join Strictly?
She joined the BBC show in 2017 as the first Welsh professional dancer. Her debut season was well received.
Has Amy Dowden won Strictly?
She reached the final in 2019 with celebrity partner Karim Zeroual, topping the leaderboard. She did not win the glitterball trophy but came second in that series.
Is Amy Dowden returning to Strictly?
After her cancer treatment, she returned to Strictly Come Dancing in September 2024 for an emotional comeback. Whether she will continue as a full-time professional dancer in future seasons remains uncertain as of 2025.
Amy Dowden’s Book and Social Media Presence
What is Amy Dowden’s book about?
She is the author of a Sunday Times bestselling memoir. The paperback edition was released in August 2025. The book covers her life in dance, her cancer battle, and her advocacy work.
What is Amy Dowden’s Instagram handle?
Her official Instagram account is @amy_dowden. She uses it to share dance content, cancer awareness updates, and personal moments.
How many followers does Amy Dowden have on Instagram?
Her Instagram account has over 720,000 followers (as of 2025). The exact count fluctuates but remains in the hundreds of thousands.
Amy Dowden’s Life and Career Timeline
- – Born in Caerphilly, Wales.
- – Began competitive ballroom dancing.
- – Joined Strictly Come Dancing as professional dancer.
- – Reached Strictly final with partner Karim Zeroual.
- – Diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent mastectomy and chemotherapy.
- – Awarded MBE for services to dance and charity; returned to Strictly in a limited capacity.
- – Open about cancer recovery; appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? (recorded 2025, aired 2026).
- – BBC documentary reveals emotional discovery about ancestors.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Amy Dowden was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in 2023. | Whether she will return as a full-time professional dancer on Strictly in future seasons. |
| She underwent a mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy. | If she plans to have children (she has spoken about IVF but no confirmation). |
| She is now in remission (as of 2025). | Exact net worth (estimated but not confirmed). |
| She is married to Ben Jones. | Whether she has written a book – no official book yet, but she contributed to a cancer anthology. |
| She has a twin sister named Rebecca. |
What Does Amy Dowden’s Story Mean?
Amy Dowden’s impact goes beyond dance. She has become a leading voice for breast cancer awareness and Crohn’s disease advocacy. Her public journey through diagnosis and recovery, documented on Instagram and TV, has inspired many. She represents resilience and the importance of early detection. Her charitable work with Tenovus Cancer Care and Crohn’s & Colitis UK adds depth to her public persona.
Quotes and Sources
Breast cancer warrior – raising funds and awareness for inflammatory bowel disease.
Instagram bio (@amy_dowden)
The former Latin Dance champion, from Caerphilly, was 32 when she was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer.
BBC News article (2026)
Amy Dowden was the first Welsh professional dancer to join BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, making her debut in 2017 and becoming a finalist in 2019.
Tenovus Cancer Care patron page
Summary: Amy Dowden’s Journey
Amy Dowden’s life has been a blend of glittering dance-floor success and a very public health battle. She was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in 2023, underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and is now in remission. She continues to dance, advocate, and inspire. For the latest updates, follow her on Instagram or check the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Amy Dowden?
Born 10 August 1990, she is 34 years old (as of 2025).
What is Amy Dowden’s net worth?
Not publicly disclosed; estimated between £500,000 and £1 million from dance career and endorsements.
What is Amy Dowden’s ethnicity?
White Welsh.
Does Amy Dowden have any pets?
Not widely reported.
Where does Amy Dowden live?
Based in London/Essex due to Strictly commitments; originally from Caerphilly.
How tall is Amy Dowden?
Approximately 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in).
Thomas Ellery is Business & Economy Correspondent at NewsPrism.co.uk, reporting on UK companies, markets, employment and household finances.