Overview

• On October 1, Dowden marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Instagram, pledging to raise awareness and urging people to check their chests, saying early detection saves lives.
• During an interview on ITV’s Lorraine, she said her husband told her to "be careful" because the new routine is "full on" and she believes her body could not have handled it last year.
• Dowden and celebrity partner Thomas Skinner scored 16 for their first live Paso Doble and are slated to perform a Salsa to Dizzee Rascal’s Bonkers in week two.
• Skinner shared a throwback photo of his pink‑painted nails to promote breast‑cancer checks, praising Dowden as a "living legend" and "little cancer warrior."
• Tabloid reports say Strictly cast members have rallied around Skinner as some fans claim producers’ choices disadvantage him, a suggestion a show source dismisses as unfounded.