She’s the glamorous Glasgow GP who swapped her stethoscope for sequins on Strictly Come Dancing, waltzing her way into the nation’s hearts with her infectious smile and killer moves.

But behind the sparkle, Dr Punam Krishan has been waging a secret war against breast cancer – and now, in a heartbreaking yet hopeful update, the 38-year-old has declared: ‘I’m moving forward.’

The Morning Live medic and former Strictly contestant took to social media this week to reveal her shock diagnosis, admitting she was left ‘shaken’ after discovering she had the disease last August.

In an emotional post that has since been flooded with thousands of supportive messages, Punam wrote: ‘What I’ve learned through all of this is that when the going gets tough, love becomes an anchor and I’m moving forward with that strength.’

She added a touching tribute to her beloved pet pooch Simba, saying: ‘And just a little moment to thank this boy too – My Simba, who has quietly been by my side every step.’

The revelation has sent shockwaves through the showbiz world, with Strictly stars past and present rushing to send love – including fellow cancer survivor Amy Dowden, who reached out with words of encouragement.

Punam’s brave announcement comes just days into the new year, after she completed treatment in recent months. Insiders say the diagnosis hit her like a bolt from the blue during a routine check, turning her world upside down.

‘She kept it incredibly private while going through the ordeal,’ a friend told the Mail. ‘Punam is the ultimate professional – always putting others first as a doctor – but this has been her toughest challenge yet.’

Born and raised in Glasgow to Indian parents, Punam has long been a beacon of inspiration. A qualified GP specialising in women’s health and lifestyle medicine, she shot to fame on BBC’s Morning Live, dishing out no-nonsense advice with her warm Scottish lilt.

But it was her stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 that catapulted her to household name status. Paired with hunky pro Gorka Marquez, the duo sizzled on the dancefloor with routines that had judges Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas on their feet.

Fans adored her grit – she battled through injuries and nerves to make it halfway through the series, earning praise for her elegance and determination. ‘Punam was a joy,’ Gorka later gushed. ‘So strong and positive.’

Off-screen, Punam is a devoted family woman, married to a supportive partner and mum to two young children. She often shares glimpses of her chaotic but joyful home life, from school runs to cosy nights in.

Yet beneath the perfect Instagram grid, Punam was facing her darkest days. Diagnosed in summer 2025, she underwent gruelling treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and possibly radiotherapy – all while continuing to work where possible and shield her kids from the worst.

‘It’s been exhausting,’ a source close to her spilled. ‘But Punam’s faith, family and furry friend Simba have kept her going. She’s incredibly resilient – a true fighter.’

In her update, Punam reflected on the overwhelming love she’s received: ‘The outpouring of support has been my anchor too.’

Celebs were quick to respond. Amy Dowden, who herself battled breast cancer and returned triumphantly to Strictly, commented with heart emojis and words of solidarity. Other Morning Live co-stars like Kym Marsh and Gethin Jones sent private messages of support.

Fans were equally devastated but inspired: ‘You’re an absolute warrior, Dr Punam – sending all the love!’ one wrote. Another added: ‘From dazzling on Strictly to this – you’ve got this. Moving forward with you!’

Punam’s story resonates deeply in an era where breast cancer affects one in eight women. As a GP, she’s long championed early detection and screening – ironic and heartbreaking that it struck her at a relatively young age.

Experts say diagnoses in women under 40 are rising, often more aggressive. Punam has previously spoken about the importance of checking breasts regularly, advice that undoubtedly saved her by catching it early enough for treatment.

Now, with treatment behind her, Punam is focusing on recovery and reclaiming her life. Sources say she’s eager to return to Morning Live and perhaps even lace up her dancing shoes again.

‘She’s not letting this define her,’ the insider added. ‘Punam wants to use her platform to help others – talking about symptoms, mental health during illness, and the power of positivity.’

Her defiant words – ‘I’m moving forward’ – have become a mantra for fans facing their own battles. One supporter tweeted: ‘If Dr Punam can face cancer with such grace after Strictly magic, so can I.’

As the Strictly family rallies around one of their own, Punam’s journey serves as a poignant reminder: even the strongest among us face hidden struggles.

But with love as her anchor – from family, friends, fans and little Simba – this plucky Scottish doc is stepping boldly into a brighter future.

Get well and stay strong, Punam – Britain is rooting for you every step of the way.