Amy Dowden has explained why she feels 'lucky' after reuniting with Chris Appleton days after they became the first pair to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing's 2026 series.
Movie Week arrival
The exit came after Movie Week arrived earlier than ever in the BBC One dance show's famous ballroom in week two on Saturday night (October 3), with the 15 couples returning to the dancefloor for the second live show of the season. They performed routines inspired by a range of classic films, award-winning blockbusters, musicals and cartoons.
To decide who was safe for another week, and who had to fight for their place on the show, the latest judges' scores were added to those from the first live show of the series, when there was no public vote. They were then combined with the results of Saturday night's public vote to decide the two lowest-scoring couples who would face the dance-off in Sunday's (October 4) results show.
Dance-off and reunion
During the first results show of the series, Chris and Amy landed in the dance-off against actress Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu. Both couples performed their routines again, with Chris and Amy doing a cha cha to I'll Be Ready from Baywatch before Jaime and Carlos did the same dance but to Oh, Pretty Woman from Pretty Woman.
Having made an emotional appearance on Strictly's BBC Two spin-off, It Takes Two, earlier this week, Amy and Chris reunited for a day out in the countryside. Taking to Instagram, Amy shared pictures of herself and Chris enjoying scones and taking in the scenery as they spent time together after their competition exit.
Fans react
"Looking slightly different to on the dance floor," Amy said. "Thank you @chrisappleton1 for the most beautiful day in the countryside. A day and a soul I'm so lucky to have." Chris was quick to respond to the post, as he said: "Aww babe so much fun! I'm glad I got to show you the goats."
Fans were also pleased to see the pair together again. @_cara_smith_ said: "Gutted you and Chris were the first ones to leave Strictly. Hope you had the most amazing day with each other in the countryside- your friendship with each other is beautiful." @zoeritter18 replied: "I'm going to miss seeing you both on the dance floor, but your friendship with one another is so precious and special."
@sheanne49 wrote: "Absolutely beautiful Amy, so pleased that you & Chris had a lovely day. I'm so sorry that you've gone early." @gilly_qfe added: "So disappointed for you both. I was really looking forward to your progression in the competition. But a beautiful friendship has emerged."
