Amy: I hope my book will offer solace to readers
STRICTLY dancer Amy Dowden has written a book about her life and recent cancer, which she hopes will offer “solace and inspiration”.
Posting on social media yesterday the TV star, 33, said: “I’m so excited to share this... My book Dancing in the Rain is coming this September.
“I had such a blast shooting the cover and I can’t wait to share my story with you.”
Her announcement came on the same day that Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas said her recent cancer tests showed no sign of the disease.
Storms
She had been motivated to get the checks done by Amy, who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer last year after finding a lump the day before her honeymoon.
Now cancer-free following a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Amy said: “From my first dance lesson, I never wanted to be off the dancefloor. When the music is on, nothing else matters, and it has been what has kept me going in the toughest of times.
“Despite facing the relentless challenges of undiagnosed Crohn’s disease and recent breast cancer, my love for dance has remained unwavering.
“In Dancing in the Rain, I share my deeply personal story, which I hope will offer solace and inspiration to anyone navigating life’s storms. I want to remind you that no matter the challenge, the human spirit can prevail, and that even in the darkest of times there is always hope.
“Don’t get bitter, get better!”
Amy, who lost her hair during chemo, also shared a video from the photoshoot for the cover, in which she puts on her wig.
She said: “I cannot wait to share my dancing journey but also everything I’ve been through.”
She is now working hard to be fit enough for this year’s Strictly. Meanwhile Shirley, 63, thanked fans of the show who supported her as she waited to get her test results. She previously revealed she’d had biopsies after a mammogram.
She wrote on Instagram yesterday: “I am feeling blessed to share that my results have come back all clear.
“Sharing the picture to my story last week very much triggered my emotions, but I feel it’s only right for me to share both the highs and the lows of life.”
And she told followers: “Please do not put your mammogram, smear test or in fact any appointment off.”
● Dancing in the Rain will be published on September 5.