Amy Dowden, the professional dancer who had
to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing 2023 due to her breast cancer diagnosis, made a
surprise appearance on the show on Saturday night (7 October). The 33-year-old, who has been undergoing chemotherapy
treatment, read out the terms and conditions for the public voting in a stunning white
sequinned dress. But what caught the attention of many viewers
and fans was her decision to show off her bald head, instead of wearing a wig as she
had planned. Dowden explained in an Instagram post on Sunday
morning (8 October) that she only made up her mind to “brave the bald” at the last
minute, thanks to the support and encouragement of her Strictly family. She said that she wanted to use her platform
to raise awareness of breast cancer and to inspire others who are going through similar
challenges. She also said that it was breast cancer awareness
month, which gave her an extra push to do it. She wrote: “There are no words to describe
the pure joy and happiness I felt last night being back with my @bbcstrictly family. It is their love and support that gave me
the courage to decide last minute to step out and brave the bald. It’s messages like the above which is why
I use my platform to raise awareness and hopefully give others confidence #baldisbeautful.” She added: “Not saying it was easy and I
still miss my long hair dearly but gosh did it feel liberating and it’s breast cancer
awareness month which gave me that extra push to do it. Can’t wait to back there with the Strictly
family again soon.” Dowden received a warm welcome from the host
Claudia Winkleman, who said: “We’re so excited that she’s well enough to be here.” As she read out the terms and conditions,
the audience and the other dancers cheered her on, chanting “Amy! Amy! Amy!” She also received a lot of praise and admiration
from fans on social media, who called her a role model, a winner, and a beacon of loveliness. One fan tweeted: “Amy Dowden choosing not
to wear a wig on Strictly tonight has just shown every little girl going through chemo
that bald is beautiful. What a role model.” Another fan wrote: “The winner of this year’s
Strictly is Amy Dowden. Brave, inspirational and a beacon of loveliness. You’ve got this Amy.” Dowden first revealed her stage three breast
cancer diagnosis in May 2023, after finding a lump in her breast during lockdown. She said that she was determined to fight
the disease and hoped to return to Strictly in the future. She also said that she wanted to share her
story to help other women check their breasts regularly and seek medical advice if they
notice any changes. She told The Sun: “I want people to know
that cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. You can still achieve your dreams. You can still live your life. You can still be happy.”