Brief Introduction of Amy Dowden
Amy Dowden is a celebrated Welsh professional ballroom and Latin American dancer, best known for her captivating performances on the BBC One television show, Strictly Come Dancing. She made history in 2017 by becoming the first Welsh professional dancer to join the esteemed cast of the show. Beyond her dazzling career on the dance floor, Dowden has become an inspirational public figure, widely recognized for her resilience and advocacy in the face of significant health challenges. She has candidly shared her lifelong battle with Crohn’s disease and her journey with breast cancer, using her platform to raise awareness and offer hope to many. Her dedication to both her craft and her advocacy work has made her a beloved and respected personality in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Amy Dowden Overview
| Full Name | Amy Dowden |
| Date of Birth | 10 August 1990 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 35 |
| Birthplace | Caerphilly, Wales |
| Profession | Professional Dancer |
| Husband/Wife | Ben Jones (married 2022) |
| Family | Parents: Richard and Gillian Dowden; Twin sister and an older brother. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married to Ben Jones. |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Amy Dowden
Born on August 10, 1990, in Caerphilly, Wales, Amy Dowden grew up in a supportive family with her parents, Richard and Gillian, a twin sister, and an older brother. Her passion for dance was ignited at the young age of eight. From these early beginnings, it was clear that she possessed a natural talent and a fierce determination. However, her journey was not without significant hurdles. From the age of 11, she began experiencing debilitating symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as Crohn’s disease. For eight years, she endured misdiagnoses and frequent hospitalizations, which often interfered with her training and competitions. Despite these challenges, Dowden remained committed to her education and her dancing aspirations. She pursued her A-levels before making the decision to dedicate herself to a full-time career in dance, a move that set the stage for her remarkable rise in the competitive dance world.
Amy Dowden’s Career
Amy Dowden’s professional dancing career is a story of ambition, perseverance, and remarkable success. She and her dance partner, Ben Jones, who would later become her husband, ascended the ranks of the competitive dance world. A pivotal moment in their career came in 2017 when they were crowned British National Latin Dance Champions, the first all-British pair to achieve this in over three decades. Their list of accolades also includes being British Dance Federation Champions, English Closed Champions, and Welsh Closed and Open Champions.
In 2017, Dowden’s career reached new heights when she joined the cast of the immensely popular BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the first-ever Welsh professional on the program. She quickly became a fan favorite, known for her creative choreography and warm personality. Her inaugural season saw her partnered with comedian Brian Conley. One of her most successful series was in 2019, when she and her celebrity partner, CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual, reached the final and achieved the first perfect score of the series for their Jive. Over the years, she has partnered with a variety of celebrities, including Danny John-Jules, JJ Chalmers, Tom Fletcher, and James Bye. In 2024, she was partnered with JLS singer JB Gill, though their journey was cut short due to an injury Dowden sustained. Beyond the main show, she has also participated in several Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Specials. Dowden and her husband Ben also run the Art in Motion dance school in the West Midlands, nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Amy Dowden Personal Life & Family
Amy Dowden’s personal life is deeply intertwined with her professional one. She is married to her long-time dance partner, Ben Jones. The couple, who met in 2011, got engaged on New Year’s Eve in 2017 and tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in the Gower Peninsula, South Wales, in July 2022. Their wedding had been postponed from its original 2020 date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her husband has been a constant source of support throughout her career and her significant health battles.
Dowden’s life has been profoundly impacted by her health. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 19, after years of suffering from severe symptoms. This lifelong inflammatory bowel disease has resulted in numerous hospitalizations and has required her to learn to manage her condition while maintaining a demanding career as a professional dancer. She has spoken openly about the physical and emotional toll of the disease, aiming to break the stigma surrounding it.
In May 2023, Dowden faced another major health crisis when she was diagnosed with grade III breast cancer. She discovered a lump just before her honeymoon with Ben. Her treatment journey was arduous, involving a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and fertility treatments. During her chemotherapy, she developed sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Despite these immense challenges, she remained positive and focused on her goal of returning to the dance floor. In February 2024, she shared the positive news that there was “no evidence of disease.” Her cancer journey, including its impact on her plans to start a family, has been the subject of a powerful documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.
Awards and Achievements of Amy Dowden
- Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) (2024)
- BAFTA Cymru award for the documentary “Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me”
- British National Latin Dance Champion
- Guinness World Record for the most back-Charleston kick-steps in 30 seconds
- Four-time British National Finalist
- World Championship Semi-Finalist
- British Dance Federation Champion
- English Closed Champion
- Welsh Closed and Open Champion
Amy Dowden Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Amy Dowden’s specific net worth as of 2025 is not publicly disclosed. Her income is derived from multiple sources, primarily her role as a professional dancer on the high-profile BBC series, Strictly Come Dancing. Additionally, she earns income from her work as a dance tutor and co-director of the Art in Motion dance academy with her husband, Ben Jones. Other sources of income include her participation in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, her own dance tours like “Reborn,” television appearances, presenting roles, and public speaking engagements where she shares her inspirational journey.
Legacy and Influence
Amy Dowden has cultivated a legacy that extends far beyond the ballroom. As the first Welsh professional on Strictly Come Dancing, she has been a source of national pride and has inspired countless aspiring dancers in Wales and across the UK. However, her most profound influence lies in her courageous and open advocacy for health awareness. By publicly sharing her struggles with both Crohn’s disease and breast cancer, she has given a voice to those with invisible illnesses. Her documentaries, “Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me” and “Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me,” have been lauded for their honesty and have played a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering a greater public understanding of these conditions. In recognition of her services to fundraising and raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 Birthday Honours. Her resilience, positivity, and determination in the face of adversity have made her an inspirational role model for many.
Interesting Facts about Amy Dowden
- She has a twin sister and an older brother.
- Dowden and her husband Ben Jones were the first all-British pair in over 30 years to win the British National Latin Dance Championships.
- She holds a Guinness World Record for performing the most back-Charleston kick-steps in 30 seconds.
- She initially turned down an offer to join Strictly Come Dancing because she was determined to first win the British National Championship title with her partner Ben Jones.
- During a severe Crohn’s flare-up in 2021, she briefly moved in with her then-Strictly partner Tom Fletcher and his wife Giovanna Fletcher for support.
- Her favorite dance style is the Rumba.
Controversies
Amy Dowden has maintained a positive public image throughout her career and has not been the subject of any significant controversies.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Amy Dowden
Amy Dowden’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. From the dance halls of Caerphilly to the grand ballroom of Strictly Come Dancing, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. Her career is decorated with prestigious titles, but it is her personal journey that has truly defined her public persona. By choosing to share her battles with chronic illness and cancer, she has transformed her personal struggles into a platform for advocacy and inspiration. As she continues to dance, teach, and advocate, Amy Dowden’s legacy is not just one of a champion dancer, but of a resilient and compassionate individual who has used her voice to make a profound impact on the lives of others. Her story continues to inspire hope and encourage a more open conversation about health challenges, solidifying her status as a true national treasure.