BBC Strictly's Amy Dowden shares pride in 'little win' following cancer battle

Amy Dowden has marked her own small victory in a candid post-cancer diagnosis update. The Strictly Come Dancing star was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, leading to a mastectomy and intense chemotherapy treatment.

The 34-year-old documented her gruelling journey on social media and, in February this year, a health-check revealed 'no evidence of disease'. But the Welsh dancer's fight for breast cancer awareness continues regardless, as she regularly shares honest updates with fans, urging them to routinely check their breasts.

In a fresh post on Monday (November 26), Amy shared a photo of herself in hospital, and confessed her pride to 714,000 Instagram followers. That day, she underwent an MRI scan - a tool used to produce detailed images of inside the body - and did not feel anxious about it.

Taking to her story, Amy reportedly wrote: "Today I had an MRI and you know I’m so proud of myself. First MRI where I wasn’t anxious and triggered (since cancer every scan, every test my heart races). I actually fell asleep during it."

According to Manchester Evening News, she then added: "I’m sharing this to help show the truth behind the smiles and behind what a post cancer diagnosis looks like. Today was a little win for me and it’s important to recognise little wins!"

The news follows Amy's unforeseen early departure from this year's Strictly Come Dancing. While she made a triumphant comeback to the dance floor with JLS star JB Gill as her celebrity partner in September, a foot injury last month saw her bow out of the competition.