Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has spoken out about the criticism she received from former Strictly dancer Brendan Cole earlier this year, saying she is sad it was so personal.
Amy, 36, appeared on the latest season of the BBC show alongside celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton. The pair were the first to be eliminated, which led Brendan, 50, to publicly criticise Amy and claim she had not been "up to the challenge" in "the last few years".
Amy's response to the criticism
In an interview with Closer, Amy, who returned to Strictly in 2024 after beating stage three breast cancer, addressed Brendan's comments. She said: "I'm sad it was so personal. It wasn't just about the dancing, it was personal. But I don't want to give him the attention he so desperately craves."
Amy also expressed surprise that Brendan had not contacted her to apologise or talk, given the headlines his comments generated. She added: "Why not pick up the phone and check how I was after those headlines? I haven't heard from him, but it's fine. I don't expect anything else."
Recovery and continued career
Amy has not let her early exit from Strictly affect her, as she continues her dancing career following her recovery from cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2023 after discovering a lump while on honeymoon with her husband Ben Jones.
After undergoing treatment, including a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Amy returned to the dance floor, also overcoming sepsis and managing Crohn's disease, which she has had since she was younger. Alongside defeating cancer, she helped raise money for others living with Crohn's disease and was awarded an MBE by King Charles.
Health updates and ongoing treatment
This is not the first time Amy has discussed her health this year. In August, some of her cancer treatment was broadcast during a series of Celebrity Hunted, in which she went to hospital for preventative treatment with a fellow dancer.
Although viewers found those scenes emotional, Amy told the Independent she does not let it get her down. She explained: "I don't really find it hard now revisiting it because I'm at the hospital once a month. It's part of my routine now. I celebrate now how far I've come, how strong I feel, how healthy I am, and I'm just grateful really, and honoured to feel this way."
