While the rest of the Strictly Come Dancing professionals are gearing up for another year on the dancefloor, pro Amy Dowden is embarking on a heartbreaking journey in her battle against cancer.
Dowden, who turned 33 on August 10, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May before she revealed doctors found "another type" of cancer soon after.
The dancer has bravely and candidly shared updates from her journey with her fanbase, including snaps from her first round of chemotherapy.
On Thursday, she continued to openly discuss the emotions she's going through after marking her 33rd birthday with twin sister, Becky.
In a heartfelt post to her sibling, Dowden penned alongside a selfie of the two: "Happy birthday to my beautiful, kind, talented twin! @becky_dowden.
"Hope your day is as lovely as you and for sure next year we are making up for it! Love you bex and thank you for everything you always do for me."
Amy Dowden recently underwent chemotherapy treatment
INSTAGRAM/AMY DOWDEN
After paying tribute to her sibling, Dowden then opened up about how she was feeling to turn 33 while she battles the disease.
Dowden admitted: "I wasn’t looking forward to this birthday.
"At the moment any milestone or event is a bigger reminder and hurts.
"I'm far from what I should and normally doing, in the rehearsal room with my Strictly family."
However, she took the time to thank her supporters for helping her when she was feeling low as she continued: "But all your wishes this morning have certainly cheered me up.
"This year my birthday wish is for all to take the time to check themselves! @coppafeelpeople have so many useful resources! Doesn’t take long," she encouraged.
"That’s my birthday wish! Thank you so much again for all the love and support it really does help and mean so much to me. Welsh love Amy x #checkyourlemons." (sic)
Inevitably, it didn't take long for fans to show their support for Dowden on her big day.
One fan penned in response: "You deserve every compliment, Amy. You are such a lovely woman! Make the best of it and do not forget you are loved by many unknown supportive souls."
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The Strictly star has shared regular update from her battle with the disease
INSTAGRAM/AMY DOWDEN
While a second added: "Happy birthday beautiful girls! I hope you celebrate your little hearts out as you guys deserve a very special day xxx."
Another echoed: "Happy Birthday Amy, I hope you have the best day celebrating how you can, you are the strongest girl I know.
"Next year I just know you will make up for it. You are my biggest inspiration and I will be forever grateful I have you to look up to. All my love always."
And a fourth weighed in: "You’ve got this Amy .. I know it sucks .. but keep smiling and try to have a good day! Happy birthday xx." (sic)
