Amy Dowden’s father Richard paid an emotional tribute to his “vibrant, determined and brave” daughter as they appeared on Wednesday’s Lorraine Delivery.
The professional dancer, 33, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has now gone into remission, filmed a sweet segment for the ITV morning show ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday.
And during the short clip, Richard said that finding out about Amy’s diagnosis is “every parent’s nightmare,” as he described it reflected in his battle.
After it was revealed that Amy will be returning to Strictly Come Dancing this year, Richard shared a sweet message for his daughter.
He said: “If I had to describe Amy in three words, it would be v“Impressively determined and brave for everything that has happened.”
Amy Dowden’s father Richard paid an emotional tribute to his “vibrant, determined and brave” daughter, 33, as they appeared in Wednesday’s Lorraine installment.
Richard said finding out about Amy’s diagnosis is “every parent’s nightmare,” as he described it reflected in his battle.
Amy said: “My dad is in a million, he dedicated his life to us children, he inspired us, he pushed us and he gave everything for us to achieve our dreams and be happy.”
Richard added: “From a very young age, Amy always danced. When I found out Amy was on Strictly, I remember it very well.
‘From dancing here in the living room when she was little with her sister and then to national television. That’s my daughter and I’m very proud.”
Amy added: ‘Everyone at Strictly loves my dad too. They love having him in the audience and he stands up and gives everyone a standing ovation for absolutely everyone.
‘The shock of hearing Amy’s diagnosis… every parent’s worst nightmare. But I must say that Amy has faced it with enormous courage.
“I think the greatest gift is that they spend time with you.”
Amy told Richard: ‘How different a year can be. Last Father’s Day I just had my mastectomy and your mom took care of me and helped me in bed.’
He added: “Yes, but the best gift is hearing the news that there is no evidence of cancer.” That’s absolutely amazing. No money can buy that.’
The professional dancer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, filmed a sweet segment for the ITV morning show ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday.
After it was revealed that Amy will be returning to Strictly Come Dancing this year, Richard shared a sweet message for his daughter (both pictured when Amy was little).
She said: “If I had to describe Amy in three words, it would be vibrant, determined and brave for everything she’s been through… The shock of hearing Amy’s diagnosis… every parent’s worst nightmare.” But I have to say that Amy has faced it with enormous courage.
Amy told Richard: ‘How different a year can be. Last Father’s Day, I just had my mastectomy and your mom was taking care of me and helping me in bed’ (Amy pictured with her dad Richard and her mom Gillian)
The BBC has made a documentary about Amy’s struggle and her fight to return to Strictly Come Dancing after her breast cancer diagnosis at age 32.
Amy’s world came crashing down when she was diagnosed with cancer the day after returning home from her honeymoon with husband Tom Parkes in 2023.
Following the news that her cancer had subsided, fans hoped the professional dancer would return to Strictly, where she worked from 2017 to 2022.
The BBC revealed on Wednesday that six days after Amy’s diagnosis, she made the brave decision to allow its cameras to follow her experiences.
Over 15 months, the upcoming documentary follows Amy as she is thrown into a world of surgery, chemotherapy, fertility treatments and uncertainty.
Amy said of the documentary: ‘A year ago I was recently married and was about to go on my honeymoon, it was an exciting new chapter in my life, but finding a lump in my breast changed my life.
‘I never thought I would have cancer at my age and, despite having family and friends who survived cancer, I had no idea the impact it would have on my life.
‘I have learned a lot about myself and what a cancer diagnosis means on this journey. I hope that others find hope and strength in this film, and that it encourages everyone to check themselves, no matter what age they are.’
The BBC has made a documentary following Amy and her fight to return to Strictly Come Dancing following her breast cancer diagnosis at age 32.
Following her remission, fans hoped the professional dancer would return to Strictly, where she worked from 2017 to 2022 (pictured in March’s Dare to Dance with Stephen Hart).
The upcoming documentary follows Amy from just six days after diagnosis to 15 months later, as she finds herself immersed in a world of surgery, chemotherapy and fertility treatments.
News of the documentary comes after Amy delighted fans by confirming she will be returning to Strictly Come Dancing for series 22 in September.
Amy foreshadowed the happy news on BBC Breakfast in April, when she excitedly declared: “If Strictly takes me back, I’ll be back.”
The Strictly star competed as a professional dancer on the BBC reality show from 2017 to 2022 (pictured in 2017).
News of the documentary comes after Amy delighted fans by confirming she will be returning to Strictly Come Dancing for series 22 in September.
“I’m so happy and grateful to be back on @bbcstrictly. MY HEART IS SO HAPPY,” Amy wrote on Instagram. ‘The best team on and off the dance floor.
‘I can’t wait to get back to doing what I love most in the world: dancing! Feel blessed and more excited than EVER. Go ahead! Thank you @bbcstrcitly for your support always. Eeeeeekkk #amysback.’
Amy Dowden: Fight of My Life will air on BBC One Wales, BBC One and iPlayer later this summer.