The dancer has had a rollercoaster few years with her battle against breast cancer and fight back to return to compete in Strictly Come Dancing in 2024
Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden has been officially awarded an MBE by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, February 18.
Amy, who comes from Caerphilly, is being recognised for her work in fundraising and raising awareness about her health struggles, and has previously said she spent "most nights crying" during Strictly Come Dancing 2024 because she was suffering such a crisis of confidence after her cancer treatment.
But she is currently looking happier than ever and appeared full of life as she met King Charles III. The 34-year-old looked radiant in a striking purple ensemble featuring a fitted satin midi dress with a high neckline and long sleeves, exuding timeless elegance. She completed the look with a matching beret, delicate lilac heels, and soft blonde waves. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
The Welsh dancer has spoken publicly about being affected by Crohn's disease, a long-term condition that affects the digestive system. In 2019, she publicly revealed her diagnosis and later presented a BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me, which explored her experiences living with the illness.
But in 2023, Amy faced another health challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, shortly after returning from her honeymoon with her husband, Ben Jones. Due to her treatment, she was unable to take part in the 2023 season of Strictly Come Dancing, where she had been a popular professional dancer since joining the show in 2017.
She also presented another BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me and, despite her illness, Amy made a return to Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 where she was partnered with JLS singer JB Gill. However, her comeback was cut short when she suffered a foot injury mid-season, forcing her to withdraw from the competition.
Gill continued in the show and reached the final alongside his replacement partner, Lauren Oakley. The series was then won by comedian Chris McCausland and his professional partner, Dianne Buswell.
Amy has fortunately now recovered from her injury in time to take part in the recent Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour, and her return to the dance floor was celebrated by fans who have been praising her resilience with the condition so far.
At the Buckingham Palace ceremony, Amy was honoured alongside other notable figures, including composer John Rutter and Jasvinder Sanghera who will be made a Dame Commander for services to the victims of child forced marriage and honour-based abuse. The event will recognise their contributions to various fields, with King Charles III personally presenting the awards.
Amy has been a professional dancer since childhood, specialising in ballroom and Latin dance. Alongside her husband, Ben Jones, she has competed in major dance championships, winning the British National Latin Dance Championship in 2017.
That same year, she joined Strictly Come Dancing, quickly becoming a fan favourite. Outside of dance she has recently been increasingly open about her cancer treatment, encouraging early detection and raising awareness of the impact of breast cancer on young women.
