Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has begun chemotherapy.
The professional dancer announced in May that she had been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at the age of 32.
“I’ve decided I want to share my chemo journey to help raise awareness, hopefully get others checking and for understanding what we go through,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Feeling tender, bruised and sore but the port will help massively over the next few weeks and allow me to dance when I feel well enough.”
She explained that the port sits under her skin, with a tube going along her vein so chemo can take place safely.
“Wasn’t looking forward to it. Wasn’t easy,” she added.
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden in 2021. Pic: BBC/Ray Burmiston
Dowden, from Caerphilly, got married to her fiancé Ben Jones last year.
She has been a familiar face to viewers of the reality series since she joined 2017, with celebrity partners including comedian Brian Conley, Red Dwarf’s Danny John-Jules and McFly’s Tom Fletcher.
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Amy Dowden and McFly’s Tom Fletcher on Strictly Come Dancing. Pic: BBC/Guy Levy
Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse commented: “Sending love and I am sure you are inspiring and giving courage to everyone.”
Fellow professional dancer Gorka Marquez added: “You got this Amy.”
According to reports, Amy Dowden will not be partnered with a celebrity for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing while she undergoes treatment.