‘DANCING TAKES AWAY ALL MY WORRIES'

Strictly professional Amy Dowden opens up about her health struggles, wedding plans and how she keeeeeps dancing!

- KATIE BEGLEY, ANNA MATHESONN

We’re used to seeing her sparkle on the Strictly dance floor, but behind that stunning smile, Amy Dowden has been secretly struggling with a devastating health issue.

The Welsh beauty suffers from Crohn’s Disease, a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system.

At any moment Amy can suffer a shocking flare-up that leaves her crippled with pain and has put her in hospital more than 100 times since she was a teenager.

It’s a condition she kept a secret from everyone on the BBC dance show, only opening up to fellow dancer Oti Mabuse in her second year on the show when the Strictly champion spotted her medication.

Now the ballroom dancer has filmed a warts-and-all documentary about her life, lifting the lid on what it means to live with Crohn’s.

Here Amy bravely opens up about why it was important to her to speak out, how Strictly has saved her, and why she can’t wait to get back on the dance floor next month.

Hi, Amy! Why did you decide to do this documentary?

Although I’ve never completely hidden my Crohn’s, I’ve been wary of being too open. I was worried it would affect my career. I want people to judge me for who I am and not because of my condition. I think people just see Crohn’s as a toilet issue, but it’s much more. I think that’s why people avoid talking about it. I want to break the stigma.

You had a really bad flare-up last year, didn’t you?