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Strictly's Amy Dowden says 'every birthday is a privilege' as she celebrates turning 36

As dancer Amy Dowden turns 36 today, she is spending her birthday the only way she wants to - in Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals ahead of the show's return next month

[Amy Dowden]

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Amy Dowden celebrated her birthday today in style(Image: amy_dowden/Instagram )

Beaming Amy Dowden is feeling 'very blessed' after marking her birthday with friends and family.

The Strictly Come Dancing star celebrated turning 36 today with a party on Sunday, and this morning she told her followers how she was feeling. She uploaded a clip of a friend lighting a candle she jokingly placed in her mouth before placing it on her cake.

Amy's cancer fight has given her a brand new way of looking at her life as she made sure she did her birthday right. The professional dancer's world totally changed back in 2023 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but following chemotherapy treatment and a mastectomy, she announced her remission the subsequent February.

[Amy]

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She said 'every birthday is a privilege' as she turns 36(Image: amy_dowden/Instagram )

[Amy Dowden]

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There was plenty of cake as she got the party started early(Image: amy_dowden/Instagram )

It is three years since the star had to have her breast removed, which forced an early menopause and she wanted to take a moment to reflect following the celebrations.

The Welsh star posted on Instagram holding a glass that looked like Aperol Spritz: "Another birthday, and Ill always say that every birthday is a privilege.

"Feeling so grateful after the most beautiful weekend spent with my loved ones, making memories and feeling very lucky to be surrounded by so much love.

"And now, off to spend my birthday doing what I love most, dancing with my Strictly family! Couldnt think of a better way to celebrate. And a very big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beautiful twin sister! So lucky to share this special day with you. Feeling very grateful, very loved and very blessed."

[Amy Dowden]

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She needed convincing to return to Strictly (Image: BBC)

She's off to get some practice in on her birthday, but she told the Mirror last week that she almost said goodbye to the show for good.

It was fellow Strictly dancer Carlos Gu who refused to let her give up her dream and convinced her she still belonged on the dance floor.

She said: Id been pulled out of Strictly and I was ready to hang up my dancing shoes, but it was Carlos and Ben, my husband, who gave me that tough love, that motivation to make sure I didnt.

If it wasnt for them, I truly was gonna hang up my dancing shoes. It was only then I really knew how low I was in my life. I was at an ultimate low.

My husband and Carlos were the ones who got me my confidence back, ensured I could do it, made sure that cancer didnt take my dancing away from me along with everything else.

There's not many people who will sacrifice themselves to help a loved one like that.

Amy has graced the BBC programme since 2017, guiding numerous celebrities including Brian Conley and Tom Fletcher through their dance journeys.

Having conquered these health obstacles, she triumphantly returned to the ballroom last year partnered with Thomas Skinner but the duo became the first couple eliminated from the competition.

Earlier this summer she shared that she feels more prepared than ever to make her comeback to the ballroom floor this year.

Amy's perspective on life has totally changed since she was forced to have her breast removed in 2023 and sharing some happy holiday shots, she says every day is a 'gift'.

Sharing photos of herself soaking up the sun on holiday in Ibiza in June, she wrote: "Three years ago today, I had just recently just my breast removed and was currently undergoing fertility treatment before starting chemotherapy.

"I was terrified, not only of the treatment itself, but of being thrown into a forced menopause because my cancer is hormone-fed. Fast forward exactly three years, and my perspective on life has completely changed. I live each day to the fullest, with so much gratitude for the little things I once took for granted.

"I know how lucky I am, and I never lose sight of that. Every day is a gift, and Im determined to make the most of it. Heres to resilience, hope, and celebrating every milestone."

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