Amy Dowden, the much-loved Strictly Come Dancing star, has shared an emotional tribute to her best friend, Rebecca Jackson, whose sudden death has left her heartbroken. The tragic loss came just a day after Rebecca, a fellow dancer, gave birth to her second child—a son. At just 35, Rebecca’s passing was unexpected, and it was caused by a blood clot that developed after her pregnancy. Amy’s heartfelt message has resonated deeply with her fans, shedding light on the profound bond between the two women.
A Friendship Built on Dance
Amy and Rebecca’s friendship began when they were teenagers, both dreaming of a future in professional dance. They met through the competitive dance circuit and quickly became close friends, sharing countless memories at competitions such as Blackpool ballroom. Amy was a relatively late starter in dance, beginning at the age of eight, while Rebecca had been dancing since she was just four years old. Despite this, both women exhibited immense natural talent and found themselves regularly competing against each other and alongside each other at prestigious events.
Rebecca, originally from Shropshire, went on to achieve great success in dance, winning multiple championships and titles, including the British Dance Federation Star Championships and the Pre-National Trophy. She eventually transitioned from competitive dancing to focus on teaching, but her passion for the art never waned. Throughout their careers, Amy and Rebecca stayed in touch, supporting each other through the ups and downs of the dance world.
The Heartbreaking Loss of a Friend
The news of Rebecca’s sudden death has devastated Amy, who shared the news with her followers on social media. In an Instagram post, Amy described Rebecca as “the kindest person, always putting others before herself.” She wrote, “I still can’t quite find the words or make sense of it. How something like this can happen to someone so fit, so healthy, so kind. A truly good soul.”
Amy’s words highlighted not only the shock and grief she felt but also the deep bond she shared with Rebecca. The two women had been through so much together, both personally and professionally. Amy reminisced about the times they spent together, such as their sleepovers at Rebecca’s family farmhouse, where they would laugh and bond over their shared love for dance. “So many memories I’ll hold close… Being Blackpool roommates, sleepovers with Anne telling us to get some sleep while we giggled,” Amy recalled.
Rebecca’s Final Days and the Birth of Her Son
The circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s death have made the tragedy even more poignant. Just a day before her passing, Rebecca gave birth to her second child, a son. She and her husband, Sean, were overjoyed to welcome their baby boy, completing their family with their three-year-old daughter. However, Rebecca’s health took a devastating turn shortly after the birth when she developed a blood clot, which ultimately led to her death.
Amy shared how Rebecca’s family, including her husband Sean and their children, are deeply affected by the loss. Despite the devastation, Amy promised her late friend that she would continue to support her family, especially her children. “Bex, I’ll keep you close always. I promise to look out for your darling mum, dad, Sean, and your beautiful babies,” she wrote.
Support Through Life’s Challenges
Amy’s emotional tribute to Rebecca highlighted the incredible support they provided for each other throughout their lives. When Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, Rebecca was one of her biggest supporters, traveling to visit her during chemotherapy treatments and providing comfort when Amy needed it most. “Bex made an 8-hour round trip to visit me during chemo and coming to hospital appointments,” Amy recalled. The unwavering friendship between the two women became even more evident during this challenging time in Amy’s life.
Their bond continued to strengthen over the years, with Rebecca being a source of strength for Amy during some of her darkest moments. Even in the midst of their busy schedules, Amy and Rebecca always made time for each other. “What I loved most were our random, overdue phone catch-ups, where I always knew I’d never be judged, only supported and understood,” Amy said. This deep connection was built on a foundation of trust, love, and mutual respect, making Rebecca’s loss all the more difficult for Amy to bear.
A Promise to Remember Her Friend
In her emotional message, Amy made a promise to her late friend that she would keep her close in her heart. “My sister said earlier how at Blackpool you were always more worried about me than your own dancing,” Amy wrote, reflecting on how selfless Rebecca always was. “That was you. Always selfless. Always thinking of others.”
Amy’s promise to support Rebecca’s family and keep her memory alive is a beautiful tribute to their unbreakable bond. As she prepares to head out on her Reborn tour with fellow Strictly alum Carlos Gu, Amy will carry the weight of this loss with her, but also the love and strength that Rebecca gave her. “I promise to look out for your darling mum, dad, Sean, and your beautiful babies,” Amy vowed, a promise that underscores the lasting impact of their friendship.
A Legacy of Kindness and Support
Rebecca’s untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, particularly Amy, who has lost not only a friend but a constant source of support and love. However, the legacy Rebecca leaves behind is one of kindness, generosity, and selflessness. Her ability to put others before herself, especially in times of difficulty, is a quality that will continue to inspire Amy and everyone who knew her.
Amy’s tribute is a reminder that friendships, especially those forged in the most difficult of times, can be some of the most important and meaningful relationships in our lives. The bond between Amy and Rebecca was a testament to the power of support, love, and understanding. Despite the sorrow of her passing, Amy has vowed to honor Rebecca’s memory by continuing to live her life with the same kindness and compassion that her friend exhibited.
As Amy reflects on the life of her dear friend, she holds onto the many beautiful memories they created together. “Bex was the kindest person, always putting others before herself,” Amy wrote, encapsulating the essence of the friendship they shared. It is a friendship that will live on in Amy’s heart, as she continues to honor Rebecca’s memory and promise to care for those she left behind.
