Last night (January 4), 42-year-old Dr Punam shared a selfie of herself in hospital, and revealed her cancer diagnosis.
Dr Punam Krishan has shared that she’s been diagnosed with cancer (Credit: Splash News)
Dr Punam shares cancer diagnosis
Posting on Instagram, she shared: “Here goes… Five months ago, I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer. I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it’s my reality and my truth.
“I’ve spent almost two decades as a doctor, supporting patients and families through difficult diagnoses. And yet, nothing – absolutely nothing – prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself. The shock. The fear. The trauma. In that moment, knowledge means very little.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
She continued: “Since then, I’ve taken things one day at a time because that’s all I could do. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be cared for by the most extraordinary NHS team, from my GP through to my breast and oncology teams. And still… it’s been really hard. Much harder than I ever imagined.”
Dr Punam then revealed why she’s kept the diagnosis to herself for so long. “I’ve kept this private while going through treatment, trying to protect my energy and most of all – my children.”
Dr Punam has two children – son Aarish, 12, and daughter Ellora, five.
“My husband, my family and a small circle of friends have carried me through in ways I’ll never forget. When something like this happens, you realise very quickly what – and who – truly matters.”
‘Early detection saved my life’
The GP then shared news about the end of her treatment. She said: “I’ve now completed treatment and I’m healing. Grateful. Relieved. Still shaken. All of those things can exist at once.
“I’m sharing this now because carrying it quietly has been heavy. Because I’ve always believed in honesty. And because life rarely looks like the highlight reel, even when it seems that way from the outside.”
She added: “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I had no family history. I was well. I’m a doctor. And yet – here I am. What I’ve learned most is this: early detection saves lives. It saved mine.”
Dr Punam then revealed how she came to be diagnosed. “My story began with an unusual feeling – a gut instinct. Listening to it mattered. Please know your body. Trust yourself. And act early if something doesn’t feel right.
“This experience has changed me. It’s taken me to very dark places mentally – conversations about your own mortality will do that. But it’s also stripped life back to what truly matters. Your health is everything. Not work. Not possessions. Not perfection.”
She then concluded: “I have so much more to share when I’m ready. For now, thank you for being here and for holding space with such kindness.”
Gorka Marquez was among those wishing Punam well (Credit: Splash News)
Gorka and Gemma rally round
Gorka Marquez and his fiancée Gemma Atkinson were among those reacting to Dr Punam’s news.
Gorka and Punam were paired on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. He said: “I know you and I know you will get through this! And we will be sat having a coffee and a croissant.”
Gemma also commented and said: “Oh gosh Punam. Sending you lots of love.”
Amy Dowden, who has also been through a breast cancer diagnosis, shared: “You got this pink sister xxxxxxx sending so much love xxxxxxxxx.”
Karen Hauer added: “Sending you all the love. You’ve got this.” Neil Jones also commented. He said: “Sending you all my love and strength.”
Strictly tonight (Saturday, October 19) saw Dr Punam and Gorka Marquez perform a Viennese waltz together.
However, with their placing in tonight’s show, as well as their scoring, many a fan is fearing for their place in the competition…
Dr Punam and Gorka went second tonight (Credit: BBC)
Strictly tonight: Dr Punam performs a Viennese waltz
Tonight’s edition of Strictly saw Dr Punam and Gorka perform second.
They danced to a Viennese waltz to the tune of Billy Joel’s She’s Always a Woman.
In the VT, Dr Punam welcomed her son into the rehearsal studio, where he got to watch her practice alongside Gorka.
Their performance drew a great reaction from the crowd, who were on their feet applauding.
“You are exquisite,” Tess exclaimed as the couple joined her to talk to the judges.
Dr Punam seemed happy with how the dance went, describing it as “beautiful”.
Craig said the performance lacked energy (Credit: BBC)
Judges score Dr Punam and Gorka
Whilst Motsi was largely complimentary, she did call for “more energy” from Dr Punam.
Shirley Ballas gave similar comments, urging Dr Punam for more energy too.
Anton was of the opinion that Dr Punam keeps her dancing “to herself”. “You’ve got to share [it with the audience],” he said. He then went on to criticise her technique, saying she dances as if she’s “hesitant”.
“I just felt like it was a little too social, as though you were just going for a stroll in the park,” Craig then said. “It lacked musicality, it lacked energy in the body.”
When it came to scoring, Craig gave Dr Punam and Gorka a four. Motsi gave them a six, Shirley gave a five, and Anton gave a six. This gave the couple a score of 21, leaving them second from bottom on the night, only ahead of Paul Merson and Karen Hauer.
Fans are worried for the couple (Credit: BBC)
Strictly tonight: Fans worried for Dr Punam
Fans of the show were not happy with Dr Punam’s treatment tonight. Many were unhappy with the fact that she perfomed second, in the so-called “death slot”. Others were convinced that the judges’ scoring was “harsh” and could lead to her performing in the dance-off tomorrow (Sunday, October 20).
“No ngl I don’t like where is going with Punam like what do you mean 4 ??? her dance was literally underscored,” one fan complained.
“I don’t understand why Punam got such low scores tbh, it was a good dance,” another tweeted.
“Gorka and Punam aren’t even standing beside each other, I fear they’re going this week,” a third fan wrote.
“The score for Punam was so harsh omg they want her OUT,’ another said.
“Punam in the death slot again? oh they want her gone so bad,” a fifth worried fan tweeted.
“Punam in the death slot… they want her gone,” another theorised.
Strictly 2024 is back for its 20th year and already the nation’s favourite dance show has gone out with a bang.
Tonight’s episode (September 14) revealed who the 15 celebrities are paired with and what dances they will take on next week. However, a couple of fan-favourite professional dancers have not been teamed with a celebrity partner.
Despite making it to Blackpool with Angela Rippon last year, Kai Waddington has not been assigned a celebrity. Sadly, the same goes for Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu.
That said, Lauren still admitted it feels “really special“ to be a part of Strictly’s 20th anniversary. “I’ve watched the show growing up. I watched the first episode, so I can’t believe I’m now part of it, especially in such a monumental year. It’s the best show on telly, so I’m not surprised it’s lasted 20 years, and I just feel really lucky to be part of it. It’s amazing,“ she said.
Dianne Buswell will be teaching Chris McCausland to dance (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, who made it to last year’s finals with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.
For their first dance, Chris and Dianne will perform the Cha Cha to The Beatles’ iconic Twist and Shout.
Joking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about their partnership, Chris quipped: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!”
Jamie Borthwick is Michelle Tsiakkas’ first-ever celebrity partner (Credit: BBC)
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
After winning last year’s Christmas special, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick signed himself up for the 2024 series. He has been paired with Michelle Tsiakkas.
After joining the Strictly family in 2022, this is the first time Michelle has been assigned a partner. “It’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!” she said.
During week one, the pair will perform a Viennese Waltz to Benson Boone’s recent chart-topper, Beautiful Things.
Asked about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, Jamie said: “That’s what swung me hook, line and sinker. I don’t quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.”
Amy Dowden is back for 2024 and she’s partnered with JB Gill (Credit: BBC)
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Like Jamie, JLS star JB Gill also competed on a Christmas special and took home the glitterball trophy. Clearly, the Beat Again hitmaker wants the full experience and has been assigned Amy Dowden as his partner.
The Welsh dancer returns to the show after having to step back last year due to her cancer diagnosis. “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JBto have the best time and fall in love with dancing,” Amy said.
Their first dance will be a Waltz to Leo Sayer’s When I Need You.
Johannes Radebe is partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas (Credit: BBC)
For their first dance, Montell and Johannes will perform a Foxtrot to Dinah Washington’s Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.
“It feels like a full circle moment, not just for me, but for everybody that’s ever been involved since its inception, from 2004 until now. I think everybody should just be proud that it’s still going. It’s just amazing,” he said about the upcoming series.
Asked if she felt pleased to be partnered with Johannes, Montell said: “How can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!”
They then joked that their team name would be MoJo!
Luba Mushtuk has been tasked with teaching Nick Knowles to dance (Credit: BBC)
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
After gracing our screens for several decades, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is giving Strictly a go. To help teach him his moves, he has been paired with Luba Mushtuk.
Asked if he thought theirs was a good match by the hosts, TV favourite Nick said: “Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race…. We’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally!”
Their first dancing during week one will be a Jive to Starship’s We Built This City.
Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer is partnered with Paul Merson (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Former footballer Paul Merson will be taught how to dance by Karen Hauer. “I just want him to enjoy himself,” said Karen. “I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we’re going to have the most fun!”
Keeping with the theme of footie, Paul and Karen will perform an American Smooth to Fat Les’ anthem Vindaloo.
Jowita Przystal and partner Pete Wicks have already sparked romance rumours (Credit: BBC)
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal
After not having much luck with Olympian Jody Cundy last year, maybe Jowita Przystal will return to the top of the leaderboard with her 2024 partner Pete Wicks. They’ve already sparked romance rumours!
Asked if he was pleased to be partnered with Jowita by Claudia, Pete said: “100%. The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.”
However, after being told their first performance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe, Pete looked confused and said: “What’s a Paso Doble?”
Gorka Marquez returns for 2024 and is partnered with Dr Punan Krishnan (Credit: BBC)
Dr Punam Krishnan and Gorka Marquez
Strictly favourite Gorka Marquez is teamed up with TV doctor Punam Krishnan.
As he returns to the show once again, Gorka revealed it’s a “privilege” to be a part of the 20th anniversary.
“It’s the dreams of any professional dancer to be on the biggest TV show on telly but also to be celebrating 20 years doesn’t happen very often. It’s incredible to be celebrating a show that has been running successfully for 20 years with so many memorable moments. To be part of something that has touched so many lives is incredible. I’m very excited to celebrate it,” he said.
Dr Punam said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience.”
Their first performance will be a Cha Cha to pop princess Kylie Minogue’s Love At First Sight.
Tasha Ghouri is partnered with returning pro Aljaz Skorjanec (Credit: BBC)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Model, author and dancer Tasha Ghouri might have previous experience, but she’s about to learn a whole lot more now that she’s partnered with returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec.
The pair will show off their moves to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso in the style of a Cha Cha.
Speaking about her pro partner, Tasha quipped: “I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.”
Olympian Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Credit: BBC)
“I’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!” Nadiya quipped of the gold medal-winning swimmer.
For their first dance, they will perform a Tango to Harry Styles’ Golden.
Neil Jones has a celebrity partner this year in Toyah Willcox (Credit: BBC)
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
1980s icon Toyah Willcox has been paired with Neil Jones. It will be Neil’s first celebrity pairing since 2021.
“I’ve been around the show for about 10 years so it’s incredible to be a part of this for that long,” he said about his time on the show. Toyah said of her partner: “I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”
Toyah and Neil will also perform a Tango to Madonna’s Ray of Light.
Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin (Credit: BBC)
The Ukrainian-Italian professional just missed out on the glitterball trophy with actor Layton Williams last year. So could 2024 be his year?
Sam and Nikita’s first dance will be a Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes.
Olympian Sam told Tess: “I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!”
Sarah Hadland has been paired with reigning champ Vito Coppola (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
After winning the show with former Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, Vito Coppola has been paired with another actor, Sarah Hadland.
Asked if he thinks he’ll lift the glitter ball again this year, Vito said: “Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!”
For their first dance, Sarah and Vito will perform a Quickstep to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.
Shayne Ward is with Nancy Xu for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
After finishing last in 2023, hopefully, Nancy Xu will have more luck with former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward.
“I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey,” said Shayne.
Katya Jones will be dancing with Wynne Jones this time around (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.
“I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get,” Wynne said.”Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!”
Claudia asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, she said: “I think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!”
For the first dance next weekend, they perform a Samba to Tom Jones’ Help Yourself.
Gemma Atkinson has revealed the real reason she doesn’t go to watch Strictly recorded live to support Gorka Marquez. And it’s all out of respect for his celebrity partner.
Gorka has been on the show since 2016 and he and Gemma met when she took part in 2017. Although they weren’t partnered together, love blossomed between them when they went on the Strictly tour together.
They have gone on to have two children together – Mia, four, and six-month-old Thiago. The couple announced their engagement in 2021.
Gorka has continued to appear as a pro-dancer on Strictly, most recently being partnered with Nikita Kanda. They were the second couple eliminated last year.
But Gemma didn’t go to watch the show recorded live – preferring to view at home with Mia beside her. And now she’s revealed the real reason she doesn’t attend.
Nikita and Gorka didn’t go too far in the competition last year (Credit: BBC)
Gemma Atkinson reveals why she doesn’t watch Gorka Marquez on Strictly live
In an interview with The Sun’s Fabulous, Gemma said: “Gorka’s always telling me to come and watch – he says it looks like I don’t care, because I’m never in the audience!”
She explained: “But I’m cautious because I’ve been a contestant and I know that the last thing his partner needs is me on the front row every Saturday breathing down their neck. I don’t think that would be fair, because that’s their time with him and they need to enjoy it.
“So I just keep out of it and let him do his thing, so they can enjoy the journey with him.”
Gemma also admitted the so-called Strictly Curse “doesn’t bother me at all” because she works in the industry, so she understands “it’s his job” to be up close and personal with other women.
Gemma also appeared on Strictly – which is how she met Gorka (Credit Photo Flynet – SplashNews/SplashNews.com)
‘A rough patch’ for Gemma and Gorka?
Gemma’s admission comes weeks after it was reported the couple were going through a “rough patch”. Gorka has signed up for the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las Estrellas, as a judge. It means flying to Madrid each weekend for filming. It was said Gemma was unhappy with how much time they were spending apart.
A source told The Mirror: “Gemma knows how important Gorka’s work is to him and goes above and beyond to be supportive.
“She’d been hoping they would have more time after the show finished, as he usually opts out of the tour to focus on family.”
The source then continued: “But then he signed up to Bailando con las Estrellas, and the plan changed. Gemma knows he’s just wanting to support his family, but it’s disappointing for her. It’s a really rough patch for them. Gorka has also been frustrated because they haven’t had time to travel to Bilbao for Thiago to meet his elderly parents.
“Gemma has been effectively raising two kids by herself. She was focusing on the end of the series as the endpoint – but the judging role was too good an opportunity to miss. As with any couple, the longer they’re apart, the more tension there is between them,” they then added.
The couple have insisted there’s no truth to the rumours (Credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
Gemma Atkinson hits back over relationship claims with Gorka Marquez
However, Gemma soon rubbished the claims. In an Instagram video she told her followers: “Yes, we did see those stories. Which is news to us. It is what it is. Happens all the time doesn’t it?
“It’s not true, hence the ‘A rep for Gemma and Gorka declined to comment’, comment because she’s got better things to do with her time,” Gemma said.
She also gave an interview explaining how they keep their relationship alive.
Gemma, 39, told OK! earlier this week: “Part of the reason why it still feels so fresh is because we’re not together 24/7. In February we’ll be six years [together], with two babies, and I still get excited to see him, but I think if we were together all the time, I wouldn’t.”
Last month the couple confirmed a new series of their reality show, Gemma and Gorka: Life Beyond The Lens.
