Strictly star Amy Dowden has had to deal with several health issues over the years, from being diagnosed with Crohn’s and breast cancer to her upcoming second mastectomy.
The 35-year-old pro returned to the Strictly ballroom this year, after being forced to leave the competition early in 2024 due to a foot injury. The previous year, Amy had to take time out for cancer treatment.
Now she’s announced that she won’t be up in the Clauditorium for a while as she recovers from her surgery, that she said she’s having this week. Here, as Amy takes a break from the spotlight, we look at the health issues she has been dealing with behind the scenes.
Amy suffers from Crohn’s disease (Credit: YouTube)
Amy Dowden hospitalised after an unexpected Crohn’s flare-up
As many fans of Amy will be aware, she suffers from Crohn’s. However, while competing on Strictly in 2021, a flare-up of the condition led to her being immediately rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
Competing on the show with McFly star Tom Fletcher, she had to unfortunately miss a live show in the middle of the competition.
“Thanks for the all messages over the weekend,” Amy shared on Instagram, adding: “Unfortunately, I was missing from the show as I had an unexpected Crohn’s flare up and hospital admission in which I received unbelievable care.”
She continued: “I’m recovering very well and certainly being well looked after and look forward to returning to the dance floor.”
In January 2025, Amy had a Crohn’s flare-up. She appeared on the Aimee Fuller podcast, Monday Mile, to discuss her health condition. During the chat, the star revealed that the symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be worse than childbirth. She also revealed that when she has a flare-up, she can suffer up to five blackouts per day.
“If you think, a woman is designed for childbirth, you don’t pass out during childbirth. I can have four to five blackouts because the pain is that much that my body can’t control it,” she confessed on the podcast. I get swollen eyes, inflammation to my joints, my skin, but I’m very, very lucky that I work with the most incredible team and a lot of my severe symptoms are now under control and in remission.”
The star has been to hospital more than 100 times in her life due to flare-ups from the condition.
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