Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared an emotional video of her "taking control" amid her ongoing cancer journey.
Earlier this year, the professional dancer revealed she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer and as a result, has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment following surgery earlier this year.
Amy has been updating fans regularly on the challenges of her health journey, and most recently posted a video of her shaving off her hair.
She previously spoke out about her struggle with "hair shedding" as one of the side effects of chemotherapy, and has spoken at length previously about the emotions she's felt around losing hair, but she’s now decided to take matters into her own hands.
Updating her followers on Instagram, the Strictly star shared a video of herself tearfully saying goodbye to her hair, with the help of some friends and family.
"Taking control – the hardest step so far," she wrote. "I tried my best to save it. I know it's only hair but these past few months I've had what feels like so much taken away from me that has made me not feel like Amy.
"I’m missing every possible aspect of dancing. I just wanted to keep my identity with my hair and I tried telling myself it wouldn't go. But I would dread the pain of waking up to the shredding everyday."
Dowden admitted that chopping off her hair was a difficult decision to make, and it'll take some time for her to get used to her new appearance.
"Since taking control, I feel I can now see the finish line," she wrote. "This for me was a hurdle I couldn't even bring myself to think or speak about.
"I've done it and I've also crossed the halfway chemo line! I’m feeling empowered and positive!
"To everyone on their own journey, whatever that may be, I'm sending love, power, strength and courage."
Amy added that she wanted to "share the truth and hopefully help others, and bring normality to a beautiful bald head".
While Amy is missing out on dancing in Strictly this year, the cast of the BBC dance contest have been sending her lots of love.
During the launch show, Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly issued a special message to Dowden and dedicated a group dance to her.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday nights on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights from September 25 on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
