Amy Dowden has appeared to respond to criticism from former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole following her early exit from this year's competition.
The Welsh dancer and her celebrity partner, Chris Appleton, became the first pair to be eliminated from the BBC One dance show's 2026 series last weekend, after Movie Week arrived in the famous ballroom earlier than ever before.
It was the second consecutive year that Dowden had been the first to be voted off, having previously wound up in the bottom two with Thomas Skinner during last year's edition of the hit show.
Emotional farewell on It Takes Two
Speaking on Monday's (October 5) episode of Strictly spin-off It Takes Two with host Ellie Taylor, Chris became emotional about their early exit, while Dowden said: "From the first day to dancing on Saturday night, [Chris] grew and grew and grew [in confidence] and I'm just gutted that we didn't get the chance to continue." She added: "I honestly think there was so much more to come."
Brendan Cole, however, did not hold back with his thoughts, reportedly saying that Dowden "wasn't up to the challenge" of being a pro on the show.
Social media response
Dowden was quickly defended by fans and appeared to respond with an Instagram video posted moments before Strictly's latest live show began on Saturday night (October 10).
Filmed in her dressing room, the video showed Dowden wearing a silver dress. In the clip, she mimed the famous Mariah Carey quote: "And I was like, why are you so obsessed with me?" which is the opening line of the music icon's 2009 single Obsessed, and blew a cheeky kiss towards the camera.
"If you know, you know #bekind #inaworldyoucanbeanythingbekind," Dowden captioned the post, which was quickly flooded with messages of love and support from her co-stars and fans.
Chris gushed: "Love u," while fellow Strictly 2026 contestant Bethany Antonia replied: "You're incredible. This is iconic and we all [love] you." Strictly pro Julian Caillon commented: "Love you and this," as Strictly 2024 contestant Sarah Hadland wrote: "Beautiful inside and out."
@fortysomethinglizzie shared: "Sometimes people can be so bitter! You are a star shining brightly. Gorgeous." @claire_messengeruk said: "Keep shining - perfect response." @hullahhoop posted: "Yesssss! This is how you react to someone who has nothing but negative, bitter vibes." @jo_poppers added: "Sparkling like the glitter ball you deserve Amy."
