Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden has been left "heartbroken" after she and celebrity partner Chris Appleton became the first couple eliminated from the 2026 series. It is the second year in a row the 36-year-old has left the competition at the first hurdle.
Bottom two and dance-off
Following Movie week on Saturday, October 3, the first elimination took place, with the result revealed in Sunday's results show. Caerphilly-born Amy and Chris, along with 2025 winner Carlos Gu and his celebrity partner Jaime Winstone, ended up in the bottom two and faced the dance-off.
This week's judges' scores were added to those from the first live show, when there was no public vote, and combined with the results of Saturday's public vote. Both couples performed their routines again: Chris and Amy danced their Cha Cha to I'll Be Ready from Baywatch, while Jaime and Carlos performed their Cha Cha to Oh, Pretty Woman from Pretty Woman.
Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Jaime and Carlos, meaning Amy and Chris left the competition.
Fans react
Speaking after the decision, Amy, who left the competition first last year with The Apprentice's Tom Skinner, said: "Obviously I'm heartbroken, this seems to have been my luck the past few years but you know what, my heart is only breaking because I don't get to dance with you (Chris) on Monday but I've got a friend for life and that's what's going to heal my broken heart."
The verdict left fans devastated, with many taking to X, formerly Twitter. One said: "Poor Amy again." A second added: "I hope Amy gets a better partner next year." A third wrote: "Amy going home in week 2 for a second year??? this needs to be corrected next year!!!" While another commented: "So gutted for Amy!!! 2 years running ughh!!"
Results show highlights
Following the results show, viewers could watch the first episode of Strictly: Lights Up, hosted by Abi Clarke and Tyler West, on BBC iPlayer for reaction to the decision. The show also featured a The Devil Wears Prada routine from the Strictly Professionals, including Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood, plus a special performance from Matilda The Musical, with the four young performers who play Matilda singing Quiet alongside composer Tim Minchin.
The outgoing pair will now join Ellie Taylor on Strictly - It Takes Two on Monday, October 5 at 6:30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
