Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has shared her "liberating" decision to return to the show without a wig amid her ongoing treatment for breast cancer.
Last night (October 7) Amy made her emotional return to the show for the segment announcing voting details to viewers, during which the professional dancer also took the time to share an update with fans on her health.
"I'm doing really well. I'm over halfway through treatment, through chemo[therapy], and I can't wait to be back with you all permanently."
During the segment, Amy chose to appear without the wig she has been sporting since losing her hair during chemotherapy treatment which led fans to praise the dancer as an "inspiration".
Following the appearance, Amy took to Instagram to share some behind the scenes photos as well as a screenshot of a fan message that read: "Amy Dowden choosing not to wear a wig on Strictly tonight has just shown every little girl going through chemo that bald is beautiful. What a role model."
Alongside the images, Amy penned an emotional update on her last minute decision thanking her Strictly family for giving her the courage to appear on screen bald.
"There are no words to describe the pure joy and happiness I felt last night being back with my @bbcstrictly family. It is their love and support that gave me the courage to decide last minute to step out and brave the bald," she penned.
"It's messages like the above which is why I use my platform to raise awareness and hopefully give others confidence #baldisbeautful. Not saying it was easy and I still miss my long hair dearly but gosh did it feel liberating and it's breast cancer awareness month which gave me that extra push to do it."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.
