Strictly Star Dr Punam Krishan Shares Breast Cancer Diagnosis as Gorka Márquez Leads Outpouring of Support

Dr Punam Krishan, best known as Morning Live’s trusted resident GP and a former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, has revealed she has been quietly battling breast cancer — a diagnosis she kept private for months while undergoing treatment.

The 42-year-old, who was partnered with professional dancer Gorka Márquez on Strictly in 2024, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on January 4. Alongside a hospital selfie, Dr Punam opened up about hearing the words no one ever expects to hear: “You have cancer.”

“I still find it hard to write that sentence,” she admitted. “But it’s my reality and my truth.” Despite spending nearly two decades supporting patients through serious diagnoses as a doctor, Dr Punam said nothing could have prepared her for becoming a patient herself. “The shock. The fear. The trauma. In that moment, knowledge means very little.”

Dr Punam revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer five months ago and chose to keep her journey private while focusing on treatment and protecting her family — particularly her two children, son Aarish, 12, and daughter Ellora, five. “I’ve kept this private while going through treatment, trying to protect my energy and most of all — my children,” she explained.

She praised the NHS teams who cared for her throughout the process, while acknowledging how difficult the experience has been. “I’ve now completed treatment and I’m healing. Grateful. Relieved. Still shaken. All of those things can exist at once,” she wrote, adding that sharing her story now felt important after carrying it quietly for so long.

In her message, Dr Punam also highlighted a powerful lesson from her experience: the importance of early detection. “I had no family history. I was well. I’m a doctor. And yet — here I am,” she said. “Early detection saves lives. It saved mine.” She explained her diagnosis began with a gut instinct — a reminder, she says, to listen to your body and act if something doesn’t feel right.

Following her announcement, messages of love and support poured in from friends, colleagues, and the Strictly family. Gorka Márquez, her former dance partner, shared a heartfelt message: “I know you and I know you will get through this! And we will be sat having a coffee and a croissant.” His fiancée, Gemma Atkinson, also sent her love, writing: “Oh gosh Punam. Sending you lots of love.”

Fellow Strictly stars joined the chorus of support, including Amy Dowden — who has also faced breast cancer — who wrote: “You got this pink sister.” Karen Hauer and Neil Jones also shared messages of strength and encouragement.

Dr Punam ended her post with quiet gratitude and hope. “This experience has changed me,” she reflected. “It’s taken me to dark places, but it’s also stripped life back to what truly matters. Your health is everything.” She added that she has more to share when she’s ready — but for now, she thanked everyone for their kindness and support.