Amy Dowden, 35, poses in a bikini and reveals being put into an early, medically induced menopause alongside rounds of chemotherapy caused broken bones and muscle loss

Amy Dowden has been reflecting on her physical health as she prepares to head back to the Strictly dance floor in the coming weeks.

The professional dancer, 35, proudly showed off her figure in a bikini in a Saturday Instagram post, telling her followers she was 'grateful for the memories' from her recent holiday in Ibiza.

Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent treatment including a mastectomy before being given the all clear by doctors in February 2024 however went on to have monthly chemotherapy sessions to stay in remission. 

Her latest post prompted a flurry of complimentary comments and one follower was keen to know how she has regained her muscle tone and got her fitness back after going through cancer treatment. 

The dancer reassured her follower before explaining how she worked with physiotherapists on a bespoke plan.

'Remember your doing amazing and not to put pressure on yourself! I worked with the incredible @physios2u doing sessions at theirs, gym and home. Matt made a brilliant programme and we kept adjusting as when we needed!' she explained.

When asked to detail her plan, Amy explained that she focused on bone strength after part of her cancer treatment meant she was placed into an early, medically induced menopause to stop the cancer from growing. 

'It was built personally for me, around my surgeries,' she said referring to the fitness plan. 

'I needed building strength especially after having broken bones after chemo etc. I've been put into menopause so again building bone strength too to help along with getting my flexibility and stamina back as a dancer.'

'What I've learnt is make sure it's the right exercise and program for you.'

Just three days after finishing her chemotherapy in November 2023, Amy broke her foot and later, after rushing back to Strictly, she suffered a stress fracture and was forced to pull out of the 2024 series early. 

She previously explained how she underestimated the effect chemo would have on her bones. 

'I probably rushed too soon to get back on the dance floor,' she told The Dr Hilary Show podcast last year. 'My body hadn't fully recovered and healed.' 

'I thought it had, because every day when you're recovering from chemo, you feel stronger and better.'

'And I guess I didn't realise the full impact chemo has on your bones. I broke my foot three days after finishing chemotherapy. And then when I went back onto Strictly last year, I had a hairline fracture.' 

Amy has been sharing a number of photos from her Ibiza holiday this week including one post with an inspiring caption about recovery.

Her caption read: 'Three years ago today, I had just recently just my breast removed and was currently undergoing fertility treatment before starting chemotherapy... 'I was terrified, not only of the treatment itself, but of being thrown into a forced menopause because my cancer is hormone-fed. Fast forward exactly three years, and my perspective on life has completely changed...

'I live each day to the fullest, with so much gratitude for the little things I once took for granted. I know how lucky I am, and I never lose sight of that. Every day is a gift, and I’m determined to make the most of it...

'Here’s to resilience, hope, and celebrating every milestone. #BreastCancerSurvivor #CancerJourney #Gratitude #Livelifetothefull #grateful'. 

Amy is one of the pro dancers confirmed to be returning for the 2026 series of Strictly. 

The new series features the biggest shakeup in the show's twenty year history, with a number of popular dancers culled from the cast whilst Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as presenters.