Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has revealed the one thing which made her cry the most following her cancer diagnosis.
The Strictly professional, 34, discovered that she had stage three breast cancer in May 2023, after finding a lump in her breast.
Amy has continued to keep fans updated throughout her treatment –which included chemo sessions, a mastectomy and a struggle with sepsis which left her near death.
Amy was given the all-clear in February this year and is set to return to the popular BBC dancing competition in September.
Ahead of her return to the Strictly dancefloor, Amy has released a new memoir, titled Dancing in the Rain.
While writing about what it was like to be diagnosed with and treated for cancer, the star revealed how losing her hair made her cry the most.
In an excerpt from the book shared with MailOnline, Amy revealed the painful experience which followed her cancer diagnosis.
‘My life away from Strictly was distinctly unglamorous. With each new chemo session, the next challenge was growing more and more obvious,’ Amy said.
‘Before I could say goodbye to cancer, I would have to say goodbye to my hair. And I think I cried more over that than anything else.
‘I would have to trim it, clip it and finally shave it completely – and then face the terrifying decision to appear on national TV with a fuzzy bald head.’
In September last year, Amy shared a video of having her head shaved as she underwent treatment for cancer.
In the video, shared to her Instagram account, Amy could be seen weeping as her hair was cut short.
In the accompanying caption, she wrote: ‘This too shall pass.’
She continued: ‘Taking control – the hardest step so far. I tried my best to save it. I know it’s only hair but these past few months I’ve had what feels like so much taken away from me that has made me not feel like Amy.
‘I’m missing every possible aspect of dancing. I just wanted to keep my identity with my hair and I tried telling myself it wouldn’t go. But I would dread the pain of waking up to the shedding every day.
‘I’ve not been able to take control of this journey so far, but as you can see with some of my loved ones I took the courage and CONTROL.’
During the lengthy statement, she shared how taking such control gave her a sense of empowerment, saying: ‘I’ve done it and I’ve also crossed the halfway chemo line! I’m feeling empowered and positive!’
Last month, Amy shared her excitement at returning to the Strictly ballroom after being forced to miss out on last year’s competition.
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She wrote on Instagram in July: ‘I can’t believe the day has finally arrived! Since Spring 2023 I’ve been dreaming of this day.
‘Thinking and sometimes doubting it would even happen with so many setbacks along the way. I didn’t sleep last night with nerves and excitement.
She continued: ‘I had a good cry this morning and going to soak up every moment of this series which I’m forever grateful for.
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‘The Strictly family couldn’t have been more supportive and loving this past year and I truly hope to make you proud this year. Right year 8 let’s do this.’
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MORE: Strictly star Amy Dowden reveals beautiful breast cancer tribute for 'first show back'
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