She’s the glamorous Glasgow GP who wowed the nation with her sizzling samba on Strictly Come Dancing just months ago – but behind the sequins and smiles, Dr Punam Krishan has been battling breast cancer in heartbreaking silence.

In a raw and emotional Instagram post that left fans in floods of tears, the 42-year-old TV doctor – a regular on BBC Morning Live – revealed she was diagnosed five months ago and has now completed treatment for the devastating disease.

“Five months ago I heard the words no one is ever prepared to hear: ‘You have cancer’,” Punam wrote alongside a stunning black-and-white photo of herself looking reflective.

“The shock. The fear. The trauma. In that moment, knowledge means very little… I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

The brave medic, who dazzled viewers as the sixth celebrity eliminated from Strictly 2024 alongside pro partner Gorka Marquez, admitted that even as a doctor with nearly two decades of experience, “absolutely nothing prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself”.

She’s been tackling the ordeal “one day at a time” while keeping it private – all while juggling her high-profile TV career, NHS duties and life as a devoted mum.

Punam, who shares two young children with her husband, went on to thank her “incredible” medical team, family and friends for their support, before issuing a powerful message to her followers: “Trust your gut instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked.”

It’s a plea that’s already sparking a wave of women booking appointments, with fans hailing her as an “inspiration” for speaking out.

The announcement comes just weeks after Punam glittered on the Strictly ballroom, where she earned praise for her graceful routines and infectious energy despite the secret health battle raging behind the scenes.

Viewers had no idea the smiling doctor was facing such turmoil – and now, insiders say her courage has left the Strictly family “stunned and full of admiration”.

Co-stars rushed to send love in the comments, with pro dancer Gorka Marquez writing: “Sending you all my love and strength Punam ❤️ You are a warrior!”

Fellow 2024 contestant Toyah Willcox added: “Oh Punam, massive love and hugs to you darling xxx”

Morning Live host Gethin Jones posted hearts, while fans flooded the post with messages like: “You are so strong, Dr Punam. This has shaken me – thank you for sharing and reminding us to check.”

One emotional follower wrote: “As a breast cancer survivor myself, your words hit home. You’ve got this – and you’ve just saved lives by speaking out.”

Punam’s journey to fame has been nothing short of inspiring. Born to Indian parents in Glasgow, she qualified as a GP in 2009 and quickly became a trusted voice on women’s health, menopause and wellbeing.

She’s a familiar face on BBC Morning Live, dishing out advice alongside hosts like Kym Marsh and Helen Skelton, and has fronted documentaries on everything from mental health to the cost-of-living crisis.

But it was Strictly that catapulted her to household name status in 2024. Paired with fan-favourite Gorka, Punam – in her sparkling costumes and killer heels – tackled dances like the Cha Cha and Viennese Waltz with grit and glamour.

She often spoke about how the show was a “dream come true” and a chance to step out of her comfort zone – little did fans know it was also a welcome distraction during her darkest days.

Sources close to the star say she chose to keep the diagnosis private to protect her family and focus on treatment without the glare of publicity.

“Punam is incredibly private and professional,” a pal told us. “She didn’t want sympathy or special treatment on Strictly – she just wanted to dance and feel normal. Completing treatment now is a huge milestone, and she’s ready to share to help others.”

The mum-of-two has long been an advocate for early detection, often urging women on TV to attend screenings and listen to their bodies.

Her message about “gut instinct” stems from her own experience – insiders say she pushed for checks when something “didn’t feel right”, leading to the early diagnosis that likely saved her life.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women in the UK, with around 55,000 new cases each year. Survival rates are high when caught early – over 90% for stage 1 – but Punam’s story is a stark reminder that it can strike anyone, even fit and healthy professionals in their 40s.

Celebrities have rallied around her, with former Strictly stars like Amy Dowden – who battled breast cancer herself in 2023 – reportedly reaching out privately.

Amy, 35, who returned to the show triumphantly last year, has been a beacon for many – and now Punam is stepping into that role.

As one fan put it: “From Amy to Punam – these strong women are turning pain into power. Check your boobs, ladies!”

Punam ended her post on a hopeful note: “Cancer picked the wrong fighter. I’ve been incredibly fortunate… Now, as I step into 2026, I’m focusing on recovery and gratitude.”

She’s already teasing a return to work, with Morning Live bosses said to be “fully supportive” of whatever timeline she needs.

Fans are desperate to see her back on screens – but more than that, they’re celebrating her strength.

“Punam, you’ve danced through the toughest routine yet,” one wrote. “We’re all cheering you on.”

In a world of filtered perfection, Dr Punam Krishan’s raw honesty is a breath of fresh air – and a lifesaving wake-up call.

Here’s to brighter days ahead for one of TV’s true warriors. You’ve got this, doc.