‘Strictly Come Dancing' star Amy Dowden is the subject of new documentary ‘Amy Dowden: Fight of My Life' (working title), which is coming to the BBC this summer.
In 2023, Dowden was living her dream of being a professional dancer on ‘Strictly', recently marrying the love of her life and hoping one day to start a family of her own. But after discovering a lump in her breast the night before her honeymoon, every facet of Amy’s world was torn apart when tests later revealed she had breast cancer at only 32 years old.
6 days after her diagnosis, Dowden – from Caerphilly, south Wales – made the brave decision to allow cameras to follow her experiences whatever may unfold in coming months. Amy was thrown into a world of surgery, chemotherapy, fertility treatment and uncertainty. Over 15 months, the film captures the difficult times, tough decisions and glorious moments like the ‘Strictly' family finding a way to include her in the pro dance in the Final. We also see the unwavering support of family, fellow dancers, friends and the public who messaged in their thousands.
This raw, deeply personal, and honest film follows Dowdn as she navigates the most turbulent year of her life and tracks the battle for her health, her future family and a return to dance – her lifelong passion. Her hope that by being open about her story, something positive can come out of something so devastating that impacts so many.
Dowden, who has been confirmed to return as a Professional Dancer for ‘Strictly' 2024 says “A year ago I was recently married and about to go on honeymoon, it was an exciting new chapter in my life, but finding a lump on my breast changed my life. I never thought at my age I would get cancer and, despite having family members and friends who were cancer survivors, had no idea just what the impact on my life would be. I’ve learnt so much about myself and what a cancer diagnosis means on this journey. I hope others find hope and strength from this film, and that it encourages everyone to check themselves, no matter what age you are.”
Nick Andrews, BBC Cymru Wales’ Head of Commissioning says, ‘“The courage and resilience Amy has shown over the past couple of years is without doubt. To then have the strength to also allow cameras follow her deeply personal experience in the hope that something positive will come out of what has been such a difficult experience for her and her family is nothing short of extraordinary. This film is very inspiring.”
Paul Islwyn Thomas, CEO, Wildflame Productions said, “We’re all so grateful to Amy, her family and friends, for allowing Wildflame to be with her in what has been the most challenging time of her life. Without Amy's openness and candour, we would not have been able to make the film we have made. It's been a huge privilege for our team, led by Jacci Parry, to have been with Amy every step of the way and to be able to share her inspirational and personal story with a wide audience on the BBC. Amy truly is one amazing lady.”
‘Amy Dowden: Fight Of My Life' will air on BBC ONE, BBC ONE Wales and iPlayer this summer.
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