Overview
- Appearing on BBC Two's It Takes Two, Dowden's recorded attempt delivered 33 valid Samba Whisks in 30 seconds to lead the 2025 Pro Challenge.
- The segment was filmed before her recent operation, and head judge Shirley Ballas praised her performance on air.
- Dowden told host Janette Manrara she is feeling really well and admitted she felt rusty after time away from dancing.
- She completed 48 steps with 15 disqualified, moving ahead of Nancy Xu’s 28; Katya Jones recorded 23 with five disqualified.
- Dowden was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, was told there was no evidence of disease in February 2024, and later opted for a second mastectomy in consultation with her medical team.