Overview
- On the November 28 BBC One broadcast, Dowden said she had another mastectomy three weeks earlier and is feeling stronger each day.
- She told hosts she is "itching" to return to the dancefloor once fully recovered and will not rush her comeback.
- Dowden fronted a Pearson National Teaching Awards segment on the programme and presented a lifetime achievement award to headteacher Lynn Griffiths.
- While recuperating, she is not joining Strictly group routines and has shifted into presenting duties.
- Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and told there was no sign of disease in February 2024, she has expressed hope of returning to Strictly in 2026 subject to recovery.