Former professional dancer Brendan Cole has delivered a pointed assessment of Amy Dowden’s recent performance standards following her early departure from the current series of Strictly Come Dancing. Dowden and her celebrity partner, hair stylist Chris Appleton, were the first couple eliminated from Series 24 on October 4, 2026.
The pair exited the competition after a Movie Week dance-off against actress Jaime Winstone and her professional partner, Carlos Gu. Despite their efforts, the judges voted unanimously to save Winstone, ending Appleton and Dowden’s run just as the competition began to intensify.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Vegas on October 7, Cole offered a blunt critique of Dowden’s professional standing on the show. He reportedly stated that the professional dancer “has not been up to the challenge” and suggested she has not been doing a “very good job” for the last few series. The remarks highlight a difficult period for Dowden, as this marks the second consecutive year she has been the first professional to be eliminated from the competition.
The exit was marked by visible emotion from the contestants. During an appearance on the spin-off show It Takes Two on October 5, Chris Appleton burst into tears while reflecting on his time in the ballroom. He had previously spoken about the personal challenge the show presented, and his reaction on air underscored the disappointment of the early exit.
Their final routine was a Baywatch-themed Cha Cha performed to the theme song “I’m Always Here.” While the performance aimed for high-energy entertainment during the show’s themed week, it failed to resonate sufficiently with the judging panel or the voting public.
Cole’s commentary serves as a sharp contrast to the sentimental tone of the broadcast. While the departing couple focused on the personal bonds formed during rehearsals, the former professional focused strictly on the technical and competitive requirements of the role, questioning whether the current standard of professional delivery is meeting the show’s historical benchmarks.
