Strictly Come Dancing favourite Amy was the first to be voted off this year

Amy Dowden has revealed her heartbreak over her Strictly 2025 exit as she admits she ‘feels like she has let fellow cancer sufferers down’.

Dancer Amy first shared in May 2023 that she had been diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer. Fortunately, by February 2024, Amy said there was “no evidence of the disease” left in her body after a mastectomy and chemotherapy. She returned to the 2024 series, only for a foot injury to force an early exit from the competition.

This year, she was back on the Strictly dance floor as part of the 2025 line-up. However, her time on the show was cut short as she and celeb partner Thomas Skinner became the first couple to get booted out of the show.

And now, Amy has made a heartbreaking confession as she opened up about her exit.

Amy and Thomas were voted off first this year (Credit: BBC)

Amy Dowden reacts to being voted off Strictly first

Earlier this month, the first star was eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing. And unfortunately for Amy and partner Thomas Skinner, their time was up. While many fans thought it was the right decision, they all wanted more for her.

Especially considering her tough few years after her cancer battle, and having to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing last year due to injury.

However, reflecting on her 2025 elimination Amy Dowden has now shared that she feels like she has let the “cancer community” down.

She has reflected on her exit (Credit: BBC)

Amy says she ‘feels like I’ve let them down’

“I’m gutted to be out of the competition because I really wanted to represent cancer survivors – and I feel like I’ve let them down,” she told MailOnline.

Amy went on: “I wanted Thomas to go far but, selfishly, I wanted to do it for the cancer community. Since my diagnosis, I came back, got pulled out, came back again and then finished last.”

Nonetheless a defiant Amy also added: “But I keep telling myself, coming back onto Strictly and getting back on the dancefloor will show ladies and men there is life after a cancer diagnosis.”

Amy Dowden on her exit

Amy also addressed her Strictly exit during an appearance on It Takes Two with Thomas. When host Janette Manrara asked the dancing pro what she will miss about working with Thomas, Amy appeared to get emotional.

She revealed: “It was his work ethic. But also the laughs in the studio. Just getting to know Tom. It was a short but sweet time.”

Amy also praised Tom for his learning abilities, reminding everyone he had never danced before.

She admitted: “I was so impressed. An absolute beginner. In terms of the entertainment world, you are not an actor or performer. I was so proud of you. And the development from the first day learning to get on the dance floor. You worked so hard, and it was so much fun.”