Amy Dowden has shared a gushing public message to Chris Appleton after they became the first couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing's 2026 series. The professional dancer was partnered with the celebrity hairstylist for the latest run of the BBC One dance contest, which returned with a pre-recorded launch show last month.
Judges' decision ends their journey
Their dances in the first two weeks of the competition failed to impress the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke – who sent them home during the first results show of the series on Sunday (October 4) night. This week's judges' scores were added to those from last week's first live show, when there was no public vote, and then combined with the results of Saturday night's (October 3) public vote to decide the two lowest-scoring couples who would face the dance-off.
Chris and Amy left the show following a movie week dance-off against actress Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu. Both couples performed their routines again, with Chris and Amy doing a cha cha to I'll Be Ready from Baywatch, before Jaime and Carlos did the same dance but to Oh, Pretty Woman from Pretty Woman.
Emotional reaction and Instagram tribute
Speaking to host Emma Willis immediately after the judges' unanimous decision to save Jaime and Carlos, Amy said she was "heartbroken" to no longer be dancing with Chris and referenced her "luck" after also leaving the competition first last year.
Following the show, Amy took to Instagram with a string of photos of herself and Chris and said: "@chrisappleton1 [heart emojis] I honestly don't think words can quite describe how proud I am of you. Seeing your Strictly journey come to an end is emotional, but what I'll treasure most isn't the result, it's the friendship, memories and special moments we've shared along the way."
She continued: "I know, unfortunately, only too well heartbreak. But I also know that the reason it hurts so much is because of the friendship and bond we've formed and that's something that isn't going anywhere.
"From the nerves, the laughter and the endless rehearsals to the moments when things felt tough, you gave everything you had. You showed such heart, determination and kindness, and it has been an absolute privilege to share this journey with you. Strictly may have brought us together as partners, but I truly believe it has given me a friend for life. Our dancing journey may have ended, but our friendship certainly hasn't."
Chris Appleton's response
She rounded off her post: "Chris, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. Thank you for every laugh, every memory, every hug and for simply being you. I'll be cheering you on every step of the way. Love you, my friend. Love your Welsh princess, as you call me."
Chris was quick to respond, commenting on the post: "I love u Amy. Getting to know you was the greatest gift. Thank you for being more than I could have ever wished for in a dance partner because you became a friend for life. Keep shining keep smiling and keep showing everyone you talent your heart because you are one of one my friend."
