Overview
- On Monday she posted an emotional Instagram video saying “every birthday is a privilege” and thanked family and friends for their support.
- She is currently rehearsing for the BBC show’s return next month, which will be her 10th series as a professional on Strictly Come Dancing.
- Her cancer journey began with a May 2023 diagnosis that led to a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility preservation and a near-fatal sepsis episode, and doctors declared no evidence of disease in February 2024.
- She later had a second mastectomy that she said was not for a new cancer, and she has spoken publicly about medically induced menopause and fertility hopes.
- Dowden has said she nearly retired but was persuaded to continue by her husband Ben and a close supporter called Carlos, and many Strictly colleagues posted birthday messages that underline her role as a visible survivor and advocate.