Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden to host Tenovus Cancer Care’s 80th Welsh variety extravaganza

Welsh cancer charity Tenovus Cancer Care is delighted to announce Amy Dowden will host its 80^th anniversary variety show extravaganza next year.

The Strictly star from Caerphilly will step out of the ballroom, and onto the stage at St David’s Hall, for a night of entertainment celebrating the charity’s rich history and many supporters over eight decades on Friday, March 3^rd. 

Amy will co-present with Welsh comedian/actor Mike Bubbins and a stellar cast including singer/songwriter Amy Wadge and West End star Sophie Evans. There will also be a special performance on the night by members of the charity’s Sing with Us choirs and an eight-piece orchestra.

Ten Cardiff businessmen set up “Tenovus” in 1943. The charity has since grown into Tenovus Cancer Care, focused on providing practical and emotional support to anyone affected by cancer in the heart of communities. There is rising demand for extra support by families affected by cancer in Wales, especially for counselling and benefits advice, as NHS cancer waiting lists rise and austerity kicks in.

Amy said she felt compelled to support the event in recognition of her family’s trauma with cancer growing up, and her own need for support during that time.

“My mum had already had thyroid cancer then, when I was 19, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the scariest time.  We all struggled watching her going through cancer again, and I remember being in shock, we all were.

People don’t appreciate the support needed by ALL the family affected by cancer – it can be just as difficult watching your loved one go through it, and that can take a toll on everyone’s health. It did for me with my Crohn’s Disease.

Looking back, all of us could have done with support – me, my dad and my mum - but sometimes the most difficult thing is asking for that help.  Remembering there are organisations, like Tenovus Cancer Care, who are also there to support family and friends is important. Everyone is affected differently but  mental wellbeing, especially with what we’ve been through with Covid-19, is critical during these difficult times. We need to help families live better with cancer.”

Amy, whose partner in this year’s Strictly was EastEnders actor James Bye, is no longer in the running for this year’s Glitterball, the prize for winning the BBC dancing show, but has promised to bring her own glitz and glamour to the event, making it a night to remember.

Alexandra Smith, Philanthropy and Special Events Manager, said:

“We are thrilled to have Amy and Mike to perform at and host our 80^th Anniversary event, for what will be such a special night bringing together talent from across Wales and paying tribute to all our wonderful supporters and volunteers over the years.

 We understand how important it is for Amy to be involved with the charity after the traumatic experience she and her family had following her mum’s cancer diagnosis, and we hope we can be there for more people like Amy and her family.

Funds raised from this event will go towards our cancer support services, and we can’t thank Amy and Mike enough for giving their time and support.”