Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has revealed her hopes for winning the Glitterball Trophy later this year.
The dancer had a tough year in 2023 after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, and was forced to sit out the recent series of the BBC show as she continued her treatment.
She was able to return to the dance floor during the show's finale, and was a regular presence in the studio during the series.
Amy – who finished her chemotherapy in November – has now set a big goal for 2024, sharing on BBC Radio Wales that she is keen to win the show when it returns in the autumn.
"After having a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, the lot, I am now finally looking ahead to 2024 and I've just got a good feeling it's going to be my year and hopefully, I'm going to get that Glitterball and I'm going to bring it back to Wales because a Welsh professional dancer's never won the show," Amy said.
"That might be because I'm the only ever Welsh professional dancer to be on the show. But, yeah, that's my aim for 2024, to get fit and healthy and to get myself back on that Strictly dancefloor."
Before welcoming in the New Year this week, Amy shared an emotional post on Instagram as she admitted she felt "robbed" by 2023.
"I'm sure I'm not the only one but actually finding it hard looking at others post of the past year. I'm sure I'm not alone and that's why I wanted to put something," she wrote.
"I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry but later I'm going to look through my camera roll and remember all the good times, the amazing opportunities I had, family time but also taking time to realise I learnt the most this year.
"Experienced rock bottom, felt I lost my identity and dancing BUT become a stronger, braver person who I'm taking forward with me to 2024. For those struggling to reflect today remember it's ok. I feel much better after a little cry this morning and blessed to be celebrating with friends round tonight the GOOD BYE to 2023!
"Sending love and hugs to those that need it! Ps as it's the last day of 2023 why not #checkyourchests," she added.
Amy delighted viewers when she returned for the recent Strictly finale, the dancer later thanking the show for their support through a tough time.
Tickets for Strictly's 2024 live arena tour are available now.
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.
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