Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu are swapping the dancefloor for the sofa as they join Channel 4's Celebrity Gogglebox. The professional dancers are the latest famous faces to take part in the smash hit show, which airs on Friday at 9pm and is a spin-off from the award-winning Gogglebox.
Brutally Honest Commentary
Surrounded by mini pretzels, popcorn, and an array of melons, the dancing duo are excited to get stuck in on Celebrity Gogglebox, where they get to "be brutally honest" and "comment on everything" about this week's TV from the comfort of their sofa. Welsh dancer Amy, 35, said: "Celebrity Gogglebox was fab-u-lous! I'm so used to being on my feet performing, it was such a treat to sit back, laugh, and react to all those brilliant shows." She added: "Of course, I loved being able to share those genuine, feel-good moments with Carlos and everyone watching at home."
Carlos Gu's Expressive Reactions
Carlos revealed he doesn't hold back when critiquing the shows, sharing: "I had the best time – honestly, it was so much fun! I'm very expressive anyway, so you can imagine, I don't hold back when I'm watching TV! Celebrity Gogglebox is all about emotion, humour and just enjoying yourself, and that's exactly what I love. It felt like me and Amy were having our own little party on the sofa!"
Amy Dowden's Return to Strictly
Strictly favourite Amy is confirmed to grace the ballroom floor once more when the fresh series kicks off. However, the star, who says she's feeling "stronger than ever" after her agonising cancer ordeal, admits she is sad because so many of her colleagues won't be on the show. Looking towards the 2026 season, the BBC has unveiled new changes which include five professional dancers bidding farewell: Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Marking another historic shift, the programme will welcome a brand new presenting trio for the first time in 11 years, as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe take the reins following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exit.
Amy's Cancer Journey
Speaking to Woman Magazine, Amy said: "It's so sad to see some of your Strictly family move on. That's never easy. It's a difficult one, isn't it, but I've seen the joy Strictly brings to people going through hard times." Reflecting on her own journey after her 2023 breast cancer diagnosis, she added: "When I was on the chemo ward, the buzz that the show brings, it made me so proud to be part of that experience, that's what the show does, it brings escapism." Amy had previously feared her dancing days were behind her after receiving a stage three breast cancer diagnosis. However, having undergone gruelling chemotherapy and two mastectomies, the inspirational performer has since declared she is feeling "fitter and stronger than ever".
