Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden has pulled back the curtain on one of her recent Crohn's disease flare-ups.
To mark World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day this week, the TV dancer uploaded a candid selfie to highlight the reality of her condition, with the aim of reducing stigma.
"I wanted to show the reality of flares! (this isn't me today, I've had a lovely day filming). Last few years, I've really wanted to help raise awareness for IBD. Help other sufferers but also show that it doesn't define you," Amy wrote.
Related: Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden to host brand-new show for the BBC
"Today I want to share times I found tough. One of which is being judged for your condition! I would do anything in the world not to live with it; I often say what did I do to deserve this?
"Then I'd be robbed of opportunities and dreams because I'd be seen as a 'risk' which would frustrate and upset me, which as many know isn't good for any sufferers. Why punish us anymore? Having IBD doesn't take away your talents, your hard work, your work ethic! Infact it makes us stronger."
What to Read Next
Dowden, who partnered up with McFly's Tom Fletcher in last year's Strictly competition, pointed out that she's hoping to "take away the stigma" and continue to "raise more awareness" with her post.
Related: Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden opens up on co-stars' support during recent health battle
Dowden's ballroom crew were quick to comment their support, with Motsi Mabuse replying: "Such a strong girl and role model".
Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Oti Mabuse, and Aljaž Škorjanec also showed their love with heart emojis.
Further information about Crohn's disease can be found on the NHS website.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.
![Strictly Come Dancing - Motsi & Anton's Strictly The Best [DVD] [2021]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1636376452-51-wTB4ZAL._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Strictly Come Dancing - Motsi & Anton's Strictly The Best [DVD] [2021]")
![Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley and Craig's Perfect 10 [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1602857040-51TXVDJudnL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Strictly Come Dancing: Shirley and Craig's Perfect 10 [DVD]")
Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
