Strictly Come Dancing's first elimination of the 2026 series saw Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden leave the competition, a result that sparked a mixed reaction from fans. The decision came after the couples performed in the first themed week of the series, Movie Week, with routines inspired by films such as Wicked, Toy Story, Titanic and Baywatch.
Dance-off decision
Sunday's results show, which also featured a Devil Wears Prada-inspired number from the professionals and a performance from the stars of Matilda the Musical, saw the public turn the leaderboard on its head. Contestants who were at the bottom of the leaderboard, such as Melanie Walters, made it through to next week in an unanticipated twist.
The two couples facing the dance-off were Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden, and Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu. The judges chose to save Jaime, ultimately sending Chris and Amy home.
Viewer reactions
Viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts on the result. One said: "I can't believe Jaime was in the bottom 2, I like her, there were people worse than her, she was quite good!"
Another added: "Gutted Chris left #Strictly would have loved to have watched him improve his dancing over the weeks (that's what the show is all about right???) plus he was eye candy, however, favouritism always wins in the public votes 'sighs'."
Many felt sorry for pro Amy, who was also eliminated first last year. One fan shared: "So sad for Amy and Chris! I adore Amy, I really hope she gets the chance to lift that glitterball someday." Another added: "Second year in a row Amy has been the first to be eliminated. She is a wonderful person and a beautiful dancer the BBC keep doing her dirty."
Support for the result
However, some felt it was the right decision. One explained: "Sad to see Chris and Amy go but over the two dances he wasn't as good as others. Just hope they find someone who can get Amy beyond week two!" Another shared: "Chris can't dance, and it was right for him to go. Jaime can do better."
Following his exit, Chris shared with the audience how he felt a "whirlwind of emotion", adding: "I'm 43 and got good at doing what I did, which is hair. So to come into something like this, I felt so out my comfort zone. I saw myself in a way I'd never seen myself and challenged myself in ways I never knew I'd be challenged. But I'm very grateful for everyone who's been involved."
One of the best parts of the series, he said, was having a friend in professional dancer Amy, before admitting he wished he could have helped her go further. The professional dancer added how she was "heartbroken" to be out of the competition so soon, knowing she would not get to dance with Chris again, but said the "friendship for life" she had formed with Chris was enough to mend her broken heart.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.15pm.
