Strictly's Amy Dowden issues health update after emotional plea to trolls

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has revealed she attended her latest oncology appointment this week, just days after urging fans to "be kind" as the BBC series kicked off its new season. The Welsh dancer, 35, who is partnered with former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner this year, has been open about her health battles since being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. After undergoing treatment, she announced last year there was "no evidence of disease."

However, she also explained she would need monthly injections for the next five years alongside regular hospital check-ups. On Monday morning (September 29), Amy shared a selfie from a Birmingham hospital, telling followers she was back for her latest visit. She wrote on Instagram: "It's that time again. Monthly on the oncology unit, then straight back for training. Week 2 and I can't wait." She added: "Monday reminders, grateful, happy, alive, and always be kind."

Her message came a day after she urged fans to "choose to be kind, always" - a statement many took as a response to criticism over her controversial new partner Thomas.

The 34-year-old businessman, best known for his fiery stint on The Apprentice, has divided viewers since being announced as part of the Strictly line-up. Amy reinforced her message by sharing a clip from her documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.

The film, which aired last year, showed her addressing the cruel abuse she received online following her diagnosis. At the time, she revealed she had been accused of being an "attention seeker" and "narcissist" by trolls.

Alongside the clip, she wrote: "As we step into a new week, let's choose to be kind, always. I was raised to treat others the way I'd want to be treated, and to never judge a book by its cover.

"We never really know what someone else is going through. But what I do know is how upsetting it can be to be on the receiving end of negative comments."

She continued: "I'm using my platform to hopefully help spread the right messages. Words matter! Online and offline. A cruel comment might take seconds to type, but its impact can last much longer.

"I remember a coach once telling me, it's like a nail hammered into wood, even if you remove it, the mark will always be there." She went on to encourage fans to spread kindness. "Let's be the reason someone smiles, not struggles. #bekind."

Amy's heartfelt appeal was quickly met with support from her Strictly colleagues. Fellow pros Carlos Gu and Dianne Buswell, along with judge Motsi Mabuse, liked the post, while Thomas replied: "You are an amazing person."

Fans also flooded the comments with encouragement, one writing: "You have helped so many people sharing your story. I think you are amazing."