Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 20 hrs ago
Amy Dowden responds to Brendan Cole’s criticism with social media video
Amy Dowden is a professional dancer on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.
Former professional dancer Brendan Cole, who appeared on the show from 2004 to 2017, said he thought Dowden had not been up to the job in recent years.
His comments followed Dowden and her partner, Chris Appleton, becoming the first couple eliminated from the 2026 series.
Dowden took time away from the show in 2023 for treatment for grade three breast cancer and left early the next year after a foot injury.
Before a live show on 10 October, she posted a video lip-syncing to Mariah Carey’s song “Obsessed.”
Fellow Strictly stars and fans praised the video and showed support for Dowden.
She said she was gutted to leave early and thought she and Appleton had more to show, but the sources do not say what happens next for her on the show.
Amy Dowden responded to Brendan Cole’s criticism with a video posted on Instagram.
Cole said he believed Dowden had not been up to the challenge of Strictly Come Dancing in recent years.
Dowden lip-synced to Mariah Carey’s song “Obsessed” and captioned the video, “If you know, you know.”
The response drew support from current and former Strictly contestants and praise from followers.
Dowden was the first professional eliminated from the 2026 series after losing a dance-off with partner Chris Appleton.
- Who
- Amy Dowden responded to criticism from former Strictly professional Brendan Cole.
- What
- She posted a video on Instagram lip-syncing to Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed.
- When
- Before the live show on Saturday evening, 10 October 2026.
- Where
- On Instagram.
- Why
- Cole had said Dowden had not been up to the challenge of appearing on Strictly in recent years.
Brendan Cole
Amy Dowden
Dowden’s performance on Strictly
Brendan Cole
Cole said Dowden had not been up to the challenge and had not done a very good job in recent years.
Amy Dowden
Dowden responded with a video but did not directly address Cole’s claims in the article.
Amy has not been up to the challenge, in my opinion.
If you know, you know
You’re incredible. This is iconic and we all ❤️ you.
I honestly think there was so much more to come.
Dowden took a hiatus from Strictly while undergoing treatment for grade three breast cancer.
Dowden had to leave the competition early after sustaining a foot injury.
Cole criticised Dowden’s performance on Strictly.
Dowden and dance partner Chris Appleton became the first couple to leave the 2026 series.
Dowden posted her video on Instagram before the live show.
- Show
- Strictly Come Dancing
- Series
- 2026
- Dance partner
- Chris Appleton
- Critic
- Brendan Cole, a Strictly professional from 2004 to 2017
- Video song
- Obsessed” by Mariah Carey, released in 2009
Sources
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