STRICTLY professional dancer Amy Dowden is battling cancer aged just 32.

The BBC star shared the shock news that she was diagnosed with an aggressive grade of breast cancer last week.

Within moments of being given the devastating test results, fiercely brave performer Amy asked the doctor: "How long until I’m back on the dance floor?'" 

Revealing her health battle on Instagram today, she wrote: "Hey all, I've got some news which isn't easy to share.

"I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, but I'm determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it.

"Welsh love Amy x."

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The 32-year-old joined the hit dance show fronted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in 2017.

Two years later she was a finalist with TV presenter Karim Zaeroual.

She has also had celebrity dance partners including Tom Fletcher, JJ Chalmers and James Bye.

Her fellow Strictly stars have been sharing messages of support in the aftermath of her diagnosis.

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Diane Buswell said: "Our Welsh dragon is going to fight this!!!! and I cannot wait for the moment you are back on that dance floor with us. We love you so much Amy."

Vito Coppola wrote: "We are all with you Amy, by your side."

Former Strictly co-star Oti Mabuse said: "Sending you love and power and all the strength – you’re such an incredible woman. Love you Amy! Take care of yourself."

The Welsh star is married to her dance partner Ben Jones who she married in July last year.

She first discovered a lump in her right breast the day before they flew to the Maldives in April for a belated honeymoon.

After seeing a GP upon her return home, Amy was told the lump was "suspicious" and to "prepare for the worst".

Although she's been told she has grade three cancer, it's not known at what stage it is at.

She now has to wait for an MRI and biopsy before discovering her treatment plan. It will definitely include surgery, she's been told.

Amy says she wants to remain as positive as possible after doctors claimed they've caught it early.

She even hopes of a quick return to Strictly – refusing to rule out being back on the show next series.

Sarah James, the BBC show's executive producer, said: “Amy is an exceptional person, both on and off the dance floor, and is adored by her entire Strictly Come Dancing family.

"Everyone on the show is sending Amy all our love and she knows that we are all here to support her, whenever she needs us.”

Sadly she has a history of cancer in her family, telling Hello! Magazine: “My Mum had thyroid cancer and breast cancer when I was younger, and it was tough to watch her go through it.

“It’s important to remember the effect cancer has on the whole family – it can be just as difficult watching your loved one go through it, and that can take a toll on everyone’s health.”

Amy has also bravely spoken out about her life battle with Crohn's.

Amy was first diagnosed with the chronic bowel condition as a child, but kept her battle secret until 2019 when she first opened up about the disease.

The Welsh dancer spoke about the illness in a 2020 documentary, Strictly Amy: Crohn's and Me, following her frequent hospital trips during the pandemic.

The condition causes severe inflammation and ulcers in the digestive system and has landed her in hospital more than 100 times in severe pain.

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It is one of the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease – the other is a condition known as Ulcerative Colitis.

Common symptoms include recurring diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping – usually worse after eating and extreme tiredness.

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