Amy Dowden shows off her bald beauty on Strictly after cancer battle

Amy Dowden, the professional dancer who had to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing 2023 due to her breast cancer diagnosis, made a surprise appearance on the show on Saturday night (7 October). The 33-year-old, who has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment, read out the terms and conditions for the public voting in a stunning white sequinned dress. But what caught the attention of many viewers and fans was her decision to show off her bald head, instead of wearing a wig as she had planned. Dowden explained in an Instagram post on Sunday morning (8 October) that she only made up her mind to “brave the bald” at the last minute, thanks to the support and encouragement of her Strictly family. She said that she wanted to use her platform to raise awareness of breast cancer and to inspire others who are going through similar challenges. She also said that it was breast cancer awareness month, which gave her an extra push to do it. She wrote: “There are no words to describe the pure joy and happiness I felt last night being back with my @bbcstrictly family. 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.” She added: “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.” Dowden received a warm welcome from the host Claudia Winkleman, who said: “We’re so excited that she’s well enough to be here.” As she read out the terms and conditions, the audience and the other dancers cheered her on, chanting “Amy! Amy! Amy!” She also received a lot of praise and admiration from fans on social media, who called her a role model, a winner, and a beacon of loveliness. One fan tweeted: “Amy Dowden choosing not to wear a wig on Strictly tonight has just shown every little girl going through chemo that bald is beautiful. What a role model.” Another fan wrote: “The winner of this year’s Strictly is Amy Dowden. Brave, inspirational and a beacon of loveliness. You’ve got this Amy.” Dowden first revealed her stage three breast cancer diagnosis in May 2023, after finding a lump in her breast during lockdown. She said that she was determined to fight the disease and hoped to return to Strictly in the future. She also said that she wanted to share her story to help other women check their breasts regularly and seek medical advice if they notice any changes. She told The Sun: “I want people to know that cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. You can still achieve your dreams. You can still live your life. You can still be happy.”