Amy Dowden MBE is a Welsh dancer who is best known for her appearances on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. There is more than meets the eye here, as she is also a chronic illness warrior and health advocate. Her story shows that talent, hard work and the support of a community can help achieve quite a lot.
Family and Early Background
The South Wales locality of Caerphilly saw the birth of Amy Dowden on August 10, 1990. She is from a close-knit family who have always supported her interest in the arts from a young age. Amy shares her heritage with a twin sister and an older brother, and, after her first lessons at age 8, dance rapidly became a passion. With her Welsh heritage and her family’s encouragement, she has successfully differentiated herself from dance halls to the international stage.
Tabular Overview
Dance Career Highlights
Amy Dowden’s rise is an inspiring journey marked by historic achievements:
- First Welsh professional on “Strictly Come Dancing,” joining in 2017 and earning instant recognition.
- Winner of the British National Latin Dance Championship (with her husband Ben Jones), paving the way for British duos in top-level competitions.
- Four-time British National Finalist and World Championship semi-finalist in 2015.
- Holder of a Guinness World Record for the most Charleston kick-steps in 30 seconds (set on “It Takes Two,” 2022).
- Notable “Strictly” partnerships include:
Throughout her career, Amy has been praised for her precision, storytelling, and mentoring style, becoming a role model for younger dancers and viewers alike.
Health Struggles and Advocacy
A prominent part of Amy’s public journey has been her courageous battles with chronic illness:
- Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 19, she’s faced major health challenges yet chose to publicly advocate for awareness and support.
- Her BBC documentary “Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me” won a BAFTA Cymru, breaking taboos and normalising discussions around inflammatory bowel disease.
- Amy became a passionate ambassador for Crohn’s & Colitis UK, raising vital funds and offering hope to thousands newly diagnosed with these conditions each year.
- In 2023, she was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer shortly after her honeymoon. Treatment required surgery and chemotherapy, resulting in early menopause and fertility preservation.
- Despite multiple hospital stays, Amy’s candour and optimism rallied fans and inspired others facing serious diagnoses.
Her impact as a public figure has helped evolve the conversation around chronic illness, encouraging early detection, honest dialogue, and lasting support for patient communities.
Personal Life, Relationships, and Dreams
Amy Dowden’s relationship with professional dancer Ben Jones is more than a romantic story; it’s also a winning professional partnership. The pair met through competition, became British National Champions, and co-founded the successful “Art in Motion” dance school. Their wedding, originally planned for 2020, finally took place in July 2022 after pandemic delays, surrounded by family and “Strictly” friends.
Facing the prospect of infertility due to cancer treatment, Amy and Ben made the difficult decision to freeze embryos with the hope that one day they might start a family when Amy’s health improves. This brave choice has since been a subject of public discussion, encouraging others facing similar dilemmas to feel less alone.
Media Presence, Documentaries, and Public Speaking
Amy Dowden’s life and advocacy have extended beyond the dance floor:
- Two major BBC documentaries chronicle her journey (“Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me” and “Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me”), earning critical acclaim for their raw honesty and impact.
- As a speaker, Amy has hosted seminars, workshops, and major national events, using her platform to promote positive conversations around illness, resilience, and hope.
- Her work off-camera includes charity partnerships, school visits, and mentoring programs for young dancers.
Awards and Recognition
Amy’s list of honours continues to grow:
- Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) awarded in 2024 for services to IBD awareness and fundraising, as well as breast cancer advocacy.
- Raising Awareness Award at the Hello Magazine Star Women Awards (2019).
- Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister (2023), saluting her exceptional public service.
- BAFTA Cymru award for her ground-breaking documentary work.
- Highly ranked competitor at national and international dance events.
Net Worth and Professional Status
Amy Dowden’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated between £500,000–£1 million, earned through her dance career, media contracts, business ventures, and public speaking engagements.
Her reputation makes her a sought-after dancer, teacher, and speaker, and with ongoing projects and tours (“Amy & Carlos: Reborn” 2025), her financial and professional status continues to flourish.
Public Persona, Scandals, and Controversies
Amy is often described as a role model and maintains a positive public reputation. Despite being drawn into a media investigation surrounding allegations of bullying on “Strictly Come Dancing,” she firmly distanced herself and voiced support for improving the well-being of all show participants. Her emphasis on professionalism and advocacy remains a defining characteristic.
Current Projects and Future Plans
Amy remains active on multiple fronts:
- Diverse TV and live performance projects, including dance tours and new “Strictly” partnerships.
- Ongoing fundraising and advocacy for Crohn’s & Colitis UK and breast cancer organisations.
- Mentorship for emerging dancers and public speaking engagements on resilience, hope, and wellness.
- A public-centred ethos, ensuring her own experiences motivate and empower others facing adversity.
FAQs About Amy Dowden
What makes Amy Dowden unique among Strictly pros?
Amy was the first Welsh professional dancer on “Strictly Come Dancing,” and her combination of top-tier dance talent, resilience against multiple serious health issues, and role as an activist sets her apart.
Which illnesses has Amy Dowden battled, and how has she responded?
Amy was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 19 and breast cancer in her early 30s. She’s become a prominent advocate, raising awareness and offering hope to others fighting invisible illnesses.
Is Amy Dowden married, and does she plan to have children?
Amy married dancer Ben Jones in 2022. Because of cancer treatment-induced menopause, natural conception is not currently possible, but they have frozen embryos, sharing their journey to help others in similar circumstances.
What are her career highlights on “Strictly Come Dancing”?
Amy’s best result was runner-up with Karim Zeroual in 2019, but she’s also known for remarkable partnerships and memorable dance performances, including setting a Guinness World Record live on air.
What awards and honours has Amy Dowden received?
Amy holds an MBE, a BAFTA Cymru, and other national honours for not only her dance achievements but also advocacy and awareness efforts for Crohn’s and breast cancer.
How does Amy inspire others facing adversity?
Through documentaries, public events, and candid interviews, Amy normalises hard conversations about illness, delivers motivational talks, and encourages everyone to advocate for themselves and their communities.
What is Amy Dowden’s net worth in 2025?
Amy Dowden is estimated to be worth £500,000 to £1 million, reflecting her multi-faceted career and business success.
Is Amy Dowden involved in any controversy?
Amy herself has avoided scandal, though she’s commented on workplace investigations on “Strictly,” supporting positive changes for mental and physical well-being within the industry.
What current projects is Amy working on?
Amy is continuing with media work, charity events, public speaking, mentoring, and dance performances, keeping her influence widely felt into 2025 and beyond.
