Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has responded to criticism from former pro Brendan Cole without getting drawn into an argument. After being eliminated from the BBC show for the second year running, Dowden posted a video on Instagram of herself lip-syncing to Mariah Carey's 2009 hit Obsessed, with the caption: "If you know, you know #bekind #inaworldyoucanbeanythingbekind."
Criticism from Brendan Cole
The 36-year-old dancer, who was paired with celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton this series, became the first professional to be eliminated from the BBC ballroom. Following her early exit, Cole publicly accused her of "not being up to the challenge" of the show.
Cole said: "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. 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."
Fans rally behind Dowden
Analysing her routine with Chris, Cole told Sky Vegas: "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."
Strictly fans were left furious by Cole's comments, especially considering Dowden's return to the dancefloor this year following her battle with breast cancer. Rather than engage in a public dispute, Dowden shared a video of herself in a silver halter-neck dress, lip-syncing to the lyrics: "And I was like, why are you so obsessed with me?"
Her followers praised her response in the comments. One wrote: "You're incredible. This is iconic and we all love you." Another said: "Great response! What a bitter man he is." A third commented: "Negative words mean one of three things – jealousy, bitterness or a lack of understanding. All three say more about them than they ever will about you. Keep being you." A fourth added: "That so-called ex-pro could never. For someone who hates Strictly, all he does is talk about it. He's just jealous, keep on slaying life Amy."
