Professional dancer Amy Dowden has received widespread support from fans and fellow performers after responding to criticism from former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole. The exchange followed Dowden’s early elimination from the 2026 series of the hit BBC competition.
Dowden, who partnered celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, became the first professional dancer to leave the contest earlier in October following Movie Week. The result marked the second consecutive year Dowden was the first professional to leave the show, having previously exited in 2025 alongside The Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner.
Brendan Cole’s Criticism of Dowden’s Recent Performances
Following her departure, Cole spoke with Sky Vegas to share his thoughts on Dowden’s performance standards on the program. Cole, who worked as a professional on the show from 2004 until 2018, questioned whether she had met the demanding requirements of the role.
"To be a pro on Strictly is a big job and one has to be up to the challenge," Cole remarked during the interview. He added, "Amy has not been up to the challenge, in my opinion. I don’t think Amy’s been doing a very good job for the last few years and she’s been out first for the last few years. One can do the maths on that."
Cole further claimed that he could observe Dowden "counting in" her partners during routines, which he viewed as an indication that the job was not being completed to standard.
Amy Dowden’s Graceful and Playful Response
Addressing the remarks in an interview with The Mirror, the 36-year-old dancer took the high road. "I’ll be honest, what do you expect from him?" Dowden said. "It’s fine – I’ve never been brought up to be personal, and in this day and age especially I think it’s so important to be kind, and to think about the next generation."
She emphasized that she strives to use her platform positively, working with charities and acting as a role model for students at her dance academy. Dowden also offered a lighthearted reaction on social media by posting an Instagram story where she danced and lip-synced to the opening line of Mariah Carey’s track Obsessed, blowing a kiss to the camera. She captioned the video, "If you know, you know #bekind #inaworldyoucanbeanythingbekind."
Support from Fellow Stars and Viewers
Dowden’s social media response quickly drew praise from current and former Strictly Come Dancing colleagues. Professionals including Aljaž Škorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Kevin Clifton, and Carlos Gu voiced their backing, with Gu writing, "Iconic as always." Her celebrity partner Chris Appleton added, "Love you," while other television personalities and viewers flooded her comments with words of encouragement.
Viewers also noted Dowden’s resilience following a challenging few years. In May 2023, she was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer after discovering a lump just before her honeymoon, leading her to undergo mastectomies and chemotherapy. After returning to the show in 2024, her comeback was unfortunately cut short due to a broken foot while partnered with singer JB Gill.
Despite another early exit in 2026, Dowden has maintained an optimistic outlook, highlighting the lifelong friendships and bonds built during her time in the training room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Amy Dowden?
Amy Dowden is a professional ballroom and Latin American dancer who made history as Strictly Come Dancing‘s first Welsh professional dancer when she joined the hit BBC show in 2017.
What did Brendan Cole say about Amy Dowden?
Former professional dancer Brendan Cole criticized Dowden’s recent performances following her early exit from the 2026 series, claiming she had not been up to the physical and professional challenges of the show.
How did Amy Dowden respond to Brendan Cole?
Dowden responded to the criticism by stressing the importance of being kind and setting a good example for the next generation. She also shared a playful Instagram story lip-syncing to Mariah Carey’s song Obsessed.
Who was Amy Dowden’s celebrity partner in the 2026 series?
Amy Dowden partnered with celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing, where they became the first couple to be eliminated.
What health challenges has Amy Dowden faced?
In May 2023, Dowden was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer. She underwent successful treatment, including surgeries and chemotherapy, and announced she was cancer-free in February 2024 before returning to the dance floor.
