By Islam El-Sakka
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has responded sharply to former star Brendan Cole after he questioned her competitive drive following her early exit from the BBC series for a second consecutive year. Dowden, 36, who returned to the show in 2024 after completing breast cancer treatment, was eliminated first in the 2026 series alongside celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, mirroring her 2025 departure with former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner.
Cole's Criticism and Dowden's Response
In an interview with Sky Vegas, Cole, 50, suggested Dowden had not been "up to the challenge" for "the last few years." Speaking to Closer magazine, Dowden called the remarks personal and said she was saddened they went beyond dancing critique. "I don't want to give him the attention he so desperately craves," she added. Dowden also expressed disappointment that Cole did not reach out privately after the headlines, saying, "Why not pick up the phone and check how I was?"
Social Media Reaction and Royal Support
Dowden initially addressed the controversy with a tongue-in-cheek Instagram video miming Mariah Carey's "Obsessed" in her Strictly dressing room, captioned "If you know, you know" with hashtags promoting kindness. She has since revealed support from Catherine, Princess of Wales, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and is now in remission. The pair met during Dowden's treatment, and the Princess's daughter, Princess Charlotte, 11, recognized Dowden at a carol concert as a "big fan" of Strictly.
Outlook on Current Series
Despite her early exit, Dowden believes the 2026 competition remains wide open. She highlighted celebrities Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Cach Mercer and Jaime Winstone as strong contenders, describing them all as "fabulous."
