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Dancing in the Rain: My story of hope, courage and resilience

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Strictly Come Dancing professional and breast cancer and Crohn's awareness advocate Amy Dowden shares her journey from growing up in the Welsh Valleys to dancing on the glittering stage of prime-time television. Through her debilitating illness as a teen and her recent chemotherapy treatment for stage 3 breast cancer, Amy's is a story of an unbreakable spirit with an irrepressible joy for life and dance; she is living proof that our darkest times do not define us.

From her first dance lesson, Amy never wanted to be off the dance floor; when the music is on, nothing else matters, and it has been what has kept her going in the toughest of times. Despite facing the relentless challenges of undiagnosed Crohn's disease through her teens, Amy's love for dance remained unwavering. Her passion led her to win the British Championships with her partner and become the first Welsh professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing.

However, Amy's journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered a lump in her breast just before her honeymoon. Despite undergoing a mastectomy and enduring gruelling chemotherapy, her journey was far from over. Complications arose, and she faced the harsh reality of reduced chances of having children. Yet, through it all, Amy's spirit remained unbroken, fuelled by her love for dance and the unwavering support of her family, friends and supporters.

In Dancing in the Rain, Amy Dowden shares her poignant and deeply personal story, offering solace and inspiration to anyone navigating life's storms. With courage and vulnerability, she reminds us that no matter the challenge, the human spirit can prevail, and that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2024

58 people are currently reading
244 people want to read

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Amy Dowden

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Jane.
276 reviews104 followers
November 20, 2024
After watching a documentary about Amy Dowdens battle with cancer and her amazing dancing on strictly, I couldn’t wait to dive into this book! I loved listening about her career as a dancer and all of the competitions she won! You truly get a sense that dancing is everything to her, it’s in her blood and has helped her throughout all life’s challenges including her battle with chromes disease and cancer! Throughout listening to this book and watching her documentary you really get a sense of what a lovely person she is, if you’re looking for an inspiring non fiction book, then look no further!
Profile Image for Tia Giles.
69 reviews
January 14, 2025
Inspirational.
A must-read for every woman.
Check ur 🍒 girlies xox

This was such a raw, honest and open memoir and one that will be sure to stick with me for a while. Amy has been through SO much and yet her attitude towards life and the challenges she has faced is anything short of incredible.

I adored her on Strictly but this is a prime example of how you never know what someone is going/has gone through. She truly dances through life come rain or shine🥹
18 reviews
July 22, 2025
If I could have given more stars then I would ten fold.
An incredible, brave young woman.
230 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2024
If like me you cried your eyes out watching Amy’s recent BBC documentary, this book fills in some of the missing dots.

I’ve read a couple of Strictly biographies this year, Johannes Radebe and Motsi Mabuse, but this one is different for a few reasons. The other two are based primarily in South Africa, overcoming racial stigma and poverty. All three highlight the sacrifice, stamina and successes that led them to strictly, but this one highlights that it wasn’t an easy journey for Amy either. Her childhood dream was to be Britain’s Latin champion and a professional dancer on Strictly, little would she know that these two dreams would come at the exact time and she would have to choose one over the other.

We hear of course about her cancer diagnosis, but also how this wasn’t her first trip of rigorous testing. She suffered from the age of 11 from suspected Crohn’s disease. It took years of suffering, pleading and possible legal action for the doctors to finally listen and diagnose. But we also hear about how Amy only had starting checking herself when she found a lump the day before her honeymoon and she kept it a secret from her husband until she came home.

When I watched the documentary I was so struck by how her first reaction to her cancer diagnosis was will I be able to stay on Strictly. She loves dancing more than anything and it becomes so much more clear when you read/listen to this book.

I definitely recommend, even if you’re not a strictly fan. It’s still a story about chasing your dreams, finding your partner on the dance floor and in life and remembering that you know your body more than anyone else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Grace Nicholls❤️.
30 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2024
What a beautiful soul Amy is. She has been through so many difficult things and is still so appreciative of life. Beautiful
Profile Image for Kat ✧ ☾.
59 reviews3 followers
Read
October 24, 2024
I don't think this one is right to rate out of stars, as Amy focuses heavily on her health. She speaks very openly about her Crohns disease and breast cancer. It was really interesting hearing her explain about Crohns disease, I never realised all of the hardships that suffers can face through having this disease.
Profile Image for Louise .
44 reviews
March 29, 2025
Review of Dancing in the Rain by Amy Dowden
💗💗💗💗💗


I’m not a big Strictly Come Dancing fan, nor do I follow the show closely, but I was drawn to this book purely because of Amy Dowden’s incredible health journey. I wanted to learn more about her battles with Crohn’s disease and cancer, and I found her story both inspiring and deeply moving. Before reading, I didn’t know much about her beyond her name, but what I discovered was a young woman with an unbreakable spirit, using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for others facing similar struggles.

Amy’s love for dance shines through in every chapter—she speaks about it as her escape, her passion, and the thing that has kept her going through her toughest moments. From growing up in the Welsh Valleys to becoming Strictly’s first Welsh professional dancer, her dedication and resilience are remarkable. But her journey hasn’t been easy. From enduring the relentless challenges of undiagnosed Crohn’s disease in her teens to facing a heartbreaking breast cancer diagnosis just before her honeymoon, Amy has fought through more than most. Her journey through chemotherapy, surgery, and the emotional impact of it all is told with honesty and vulnerability.

For those who want to learn even more, Amy has two powerful documentaries available on BBC and possibly on YouTube and other platforms—one covering her Crohn’s disease journey and another on her cancer battle. Both are incredibly educational, heartfelt, and raw, giving even more insight into her struggles and the reality of living with these conditions.

I actually came across Dancing in the Rain through a recommendation in a book club, and I’m so glad I picked it up. If you enjoy real-life stories of courage, resilience, and the power of hope, this book is well worth a read. And if you love discussing books of all kinds, you’re welcome to join our group called Fostering, Memoirs and Fiction book club, where we explore a wide range of reads, both fiction and nonfiction! 📚
Profile Image for Liam.
209 reviews
October 26, 2025
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass — it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

What an emotional, powerful, and truly inspirational memoir from Strictly Come Dancing icon Amy Dowden. 💃

I was so happy that Dancing in the Rain became my 100th book read in 2025, and what a special milestone it was. As a dancer myself, this book struck me deeply — it’s so rare to find a memoir that captures not just the beauty of dance, but the grit, resilience, and passion that lie behind every performance. Amy’s journey through triumph and heartbreak, her fight with Crohn’s disease and cancer, and her unshakable positivity throughout it all made this an unforgettable read.

Her words radiate honesty and warmth, and her love for dance shines through every chapter. It’s a book that reminds you why you fall in love with performing in the first place — the discipline, the dedication, and the absolute joy that comes from expressing yourself through movement.

“When you can’t dance through life, sometimes you have to let life dance through you.”

Amy’s story isn’t just about her achievements on Strictly Come Dancing; it’s about courage, community, and the power of doing what you love even when life throws its hardest challenges your way. I closed this book feeling tearful, inspired, and incredibly grateful for the art of dance — and for people like Amy who remind us all to keep moving, no matter the storm.

A stunning, uplifting read that every dancer — and every dreamer — should pick up. 💖
Profile Image for Anthony.
1,040 reviews
March 4, 2025
Amy Dowden (2024) DANCING IN THE RAIN
London. Piatkus

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars

The sleeve reads, "From her first dance lesson, Amy never wanted to be off the dance floor; when the music is on, nothing else matters, and it has been what has kept her going in the toughest of times. Despite facing the relentless challenges of undiagnosed Crohn's disease through her teens, Amy's love for dance remained unwavering. Her passion led her to win the British Championships with her partner and become the first Welsh professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. However, Amy's journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered a lump in her breast just before her honeymoon. Despite undergoing a mastectomy and enduring gruelling chemotherapy, her journey was far from over. Complications arose, and she faced the harsh reality of reduced chances of having children. Yet, through it all, Amy's spirit remained unbroken, fuelled by her love for dance and the unwavering support of her family, friends and supporters. In Dancing in the Rain, Amy Dowden shares her poignant and deeply personal story, offering solace and inspiration to anyone navigating life's storms. With courage and vulnerability, she reminds us that no matter the challenge, the human spirit can prevail, and that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope."

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Aww Amy. She's so lush!
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#AmyDowden #DancingInTheRain #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads
Profile Image for Angelina.
13 reviews
September 5, 2024
"Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. All you can do is live a life of hope, going for your goals and working hard to make them happen." If anything sums up the glass-half-full mentality of former British National champion and Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden MBE its this. In her debut book, Dowden's eternally positive outlook on life and sheer determination really shines through in this inspirational journey of hope and heartbreak, love and loss. Overall, this book is a testament to Dowden's indomitable spirit and the power of perseverance. It serves as a reminder that no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem, there is always a way to rise above them and is a poignant reminder that hope is a constant companion, guiding us through the toughest of times and illuminating the path towards a brighter tomorrow. In her own words: "I'm so grateful for another chance at life".
21 reviews
October 19, 2025
The Good

This book hit me in ways I didn’t expect. It got me thinking about me and my conditions (Type 1 Diabetes , Club Foot, ASD) and the battles I’ve faced and how I’ve come out the other side a bit broken but still good and ready to tackle life at my own pace. I read the last line in this book and I burst into tears. The last line read as follows: “Once I would’ve been frustrated by the rain, now I just want to dance in it”. When I read that line I felt like even though it was just a book that I was been listened to. Yes what Amy went through was 10 times worse and I’m not trying to do a battle of the illnesses by any means but this book touched me and made the impact of my medical journey seem less heavy

The Bad

No notes here

The Ugly

No notes here just bring tissues
Profile Image for Hayley Hobin.
140 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2025
Amy is one of my favourite dancers on strictly and reading this was hard. This woman has been through hell and back and is such a beautiful soul and a true inspiration.

This book is a raw, emotional and personal account of Amy's battles with chrohns disease growing up, her journey to becoming a dance champion and professional dancer on strictly and her breast cancer journey.

Even if you're not a fan of strictly, I highly recommend if you or anyone you know has faced battles with chrohns or any other chronic illness or cancer.

Amy is honest about her struggles but also offers comfort, hope and inspiration to chase your dreams no matter what you've been through.
Profile Image for Siân Williams.
9 reviews
December 1, 2024
Amy’s book is a brave and deeply honest account of her life, shedding light on her experiences growing up dancing, joining Strictly, living with Crohn’s disease and her cancer journey. Her openness is inspiring, offering both vulnerability and strength, and her passion for dance is clear throughout. However, the audiobook narration by Amy herself feels disjointed, with pauses that disrupt the natural flow and it distracted me. Despite this, it’s a compelling and heartfelt read. Would recommend as a read but maybe not as an audio book.
Profile Image for Jo K Moore.
311 reviews
September 7, 2025
Firstly, might I say what an amazing individual Amy is.

As a Strictly fan, Amy like her fellow professional dancers only came into the public eye for me (and many others like me) due to Strictly.

What I’m reader here is the story of a very strong and determined individual. A person who doesn’t take no for an answer. A questioner with a what if? Rather than I don’t think so attitude. Someone determined to achieve the best and never (despite al she’s gone through) given up on her dreams.

A strong piece of intelligence and inspirational writing from the heart.
Profile Image for Amanda.
23 reviews
September 8, 2024
I have always liked Amy from the minute she hit the screen on Strictly.

Amy has really been through it with Crohn’s & then cancer on top, with all the complications/side effects of chemo. She has been honest & open about it all in her autobiography.

If you like Amy & have seen the snippets of her journey on her Insta, then you want to read this.

Such an inspiration.
Can’t wait to see her back on Strictly this year.
Profile Image for Natalie.
687 reviews11 followers
March 13, 2025
What an emotional read. I've followed Amy for a long time on Instagram so I knew all about her story and what she has been through, plus watched the documentaries. However, it was still interesting to hear her story in her own words, and including the story of her life growing up and how she came to be the Dancer she always dreamed of.

It was an inspirational story and very brave of her to be so outspoken and tell the complete story of her journey. A great read.
Profile Image for Kayleigh Coe.
84 reviews
October 28, 2024
4.5 - Hearing the determination of someone who has a chronic illness take on the world and go for her dreams is so empowering! To then hear the feeling of it all potentially being taken away with the cancer diagnosises only to push on and achieve again is incredible! Through the ups and downs a very strong lady!
Profile Image for Whenimnotreadingharrypotter.
384 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2025
Amy is such an inspiration and this book just makes you realise just how much she has gone through.
Even though she has been through so much, this book wasn't depressing, it was uplifting and motivational and if anyone is struggling, this book makes you realise you only get one life so should make every moment count.
Profile Image for Alison.
119 reviews
February 21, 2025
I love Strictly and was very excited to read this memoir and it did not disappoint This read is so raw, honest, open, inspirational and emotional.
Add this book to your to be read shelf as it’s educational and raises awareness for Crohns, cancer and Sepsis! I didn’t know that breast cancer can affect men too!
GET CHECKING THE GIRLS! 🎀
Profile Image for Nicole.
82 reviews
March 21, 2025
my Shayla 🥹

i listened to the audiobook, read by Amy, and it felt really disjointed; there’s a lot of pauses and it disrupts the flow of the story and it distracted me. i would recommend reading the book, rather than listening to it but still i still enjoyed listening to her story. it’s so important to check your 🍒 and to advocate for yourself!!
76 reviews
May 31, 2025
What a woman Amy Dowden is and what she has gone through, to come out the other side is nothing short of amazing. From the first page onwards, I could feel the emotion and struggle from suffering with Chrons and the cancer journey (from beginning to end). Amy Dowden is a true inspiration and her strength and determination can show through this beautiful book.

5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
247 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2024
Omg what an emotional book. This young lady is an inspiration to others and very brave. This book covers her from childhood when she started crohns disease to right up to her fight through cancer. Excellent book
Profile Image for Lauren Stenhouse.
57 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2024
As one of my favourite Strictly Come Dancing professionals, I've followed Amy ever since she started on the show. So, of course, when I found out that she was writing a book, I absolutely had to get it on pre-order 💃🏼

Life has been so relentless for Amy, dealing her with blow after blow, however she still manages to have such a positive outlook and she just constantly radiates happiness and joy!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

It was so sad to read about all of Amy's lows, her Crohn's disease, her mental health, as well as her recent cancer journey. Yet it's so inspiring when she tells you about all of the highs she has experienced and all of her accomplishments 🏆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Such a raw, emotional, inspirational read. It's left me feeling so grateful for what I have and just rooting for Amy even more than I already was 🥰⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

If you take anything away from this book let it be this - 'check your chest' 🎀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
110 reviews
October 27, 2024
A.. .maz....ing

Amy you are such an amazing, inspirational and wonderful woman. This story of your journey was very sad in places but wow what strength you have. I wish you much love and happiness going forward xx
Profile Image for Amber Palmer.
24 reviews
November 8, 2024
I listened as an Audiobook, which is read by Amy herself. Was an easy listen, she has a very inspiring story which shows the power of resilience. Also brought more awareness to living with chronic illness as well as being diagnosed with breast cancer. Would recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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