Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has criticised Amy Dowden's performances on the BBC show, saying she has "not been doing a very good job" in recent years.
Dowden, 36, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. She returned in 2024 after receiving the all-clear but withdrew from that series due to a foot injury.
This year, she and celebrity partner Chris Appleton were the first couple to be eliminated from the competition over the weekend.
Cole's critique
Cole, who was a professional on Strictly from 2004 to 2017, shared his views with Sky Vegas.
"To be a pro on Strictly is a big job and one has to be up to the challenge. Amy has not been up to the challenge, in my opinion," he said.
"I don't think Amy's been doing a very good job for the last few years and she's been out first for the last few years. One can do the maths on that."
Referring to her partnership with Appleton, he added: "She's standing out there counting him in. She's counting every step for him. It's very obvious that the job has not been done, and I don't think people are enjoying it."
Metro contacted Dowden's representative for comment on Cole's assessment.
Elimination and reaction
Dowden and Appleton faced off against Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu in a bid for survival on Sunday night, after both couples came in at the bottom of the scoreboard.
Despite performing a Baywatch-inspired cha-cha, Appleton was first to be eliminated in a unanimous decision from the judges.
Appleton described the Strictly experience as a "whirlwind of emotion". He added: "The most important thing I think I'll take from this show is having a friend in Amy, because I am so grateful that I met someone with so much heart and passion. I already wish I did better for her, because she deserves to go further in the competition."
Dowden said: "Watching Chris grow in confidence, although it was short-lived – only two weeks – that is what I'll take away."
Reflecting on her brief stint, she said: "Obviously, I'm heartbroken. This seems to be my luck the last few years, but do you know what? My heart is only breaking because I don't get to dance with [Chris] on Monday. But I get a friend for life, and that's what's gonna heal my broken heart."
Strictly Come Dancing returns on BBC One on Saturday at 6.15pm.
