Strictly Come Dancing fans have demanded Amy Dowden gets a better partner next year after she and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton became the first couple eliminated from the 2026 series. Viewers also spotted what they called a 'cruel' detail: Amy lost the dance-off against her best friend, professional dancer Carlos Gu.
A second early exit for Amy
Amy, who joined the BBC One show in 2017, was partnered with Chris for the new series, which began last month. But after their routines in the first two weeks failed to impress the judges, the pair left 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 dancing the cha cha to "I'll Be Ready" from Baywatch, and Jaime and Carlos performing the same dance to "Oh, Pretty Woman" from Pretty Woman. Judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Jaime and Carlos, who won last season with former footballer Karen Carney. Craig Revel Horwood, who held the deciding vote this week, said he would have saved the same couple if needed.
Fans spot the 'cruel' detail
Speaking after the decision, Amy told host Emma Willis: "Although it was only two weeks, watching Chris grow in confidence, that is what I will take away. Obviously, I am heartbroken, and this seems to be my luck the last few years, but my heart is only breaking because I don’t get to dance with him on Monday… but I do get a friend for life."
Viewers quickly noticed that Amy lost out to her close friend Carlos. @BritsandBlobs said: "This must’ve been horrible for Amy and Carlos with being best friends #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #StrictlyResults." @tvreality93 wrote: "Amy and Carlos in the dance off together hurts a little #strictly."
Demands for a better partner
@DebbieBlackma14 commented: "Oh god I just realised how cruel that was with how close Carlos and Amy are. They're like brother and sister. That couldn't have been a worse dance off #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." @Imogen_Alanah added: "I just know Carlos is GUTTED going against Amy. I hate it here x #strictly #scd."
Fans also made demands for Amy's future. @kha_lilah_ said: "I hope Amy gets a better partner next yea #Strictly." @_AaronL__ commented: "Poor Amy. If she comes back next year, please producers, give her someone who actually has potential #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly." @SilentTheatre1 wrote: "Pleeeeeeease give Amy a great partner next year!!! #Strictly."
@HeatherNewell2 shared: "So gutted for Amy. First eliminated for the second year running! Really hope she comes back next year and get given the winner! @bbcstrictly #strictly." @becca_x94 posted: "If Amy is out first again she better get a f**king ringer next year or I’m not watching #strictly." @Jamoffical_ added: "#strictly Aliona was eliminated first twice in a row does that mean Amy will win next year. She’s going to have one of the best dances ever iktr."
