Amy Dowden has revealed she has been left bruised after a “risky” routine with her new Strictly Come Dancing partner, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton. The Welsh dancer is returning to the show this year, and the pair shared an insight into their training on TikTok ahead of the first live show on Saturday 26 September.
Training update
In a video posted to Chris Appleton’s TikTok account, the pair showed Chris styling Amy’s hair while they discussed their preparation. Amy said: “We are three sleeps away from our first live show.” Chris replied: “It’s been a really fun week,” and when Amy asked how “intense” the routine had been, he admitted: “I’m literally panting.”
Amy went on: “On the night, it’s live. We don’t get to stop and go again. I haven’t gone easy on you.” She added: “My two knees are a little bit bruised because we’re taking some risks.” When Chris asked what else was bruised, Amy confessed: “My bum cheeks.”
Partnership and support
The pairing comes after Amy was partnered with Thomas Skinner last year and became the first contestant voted out. The year before, she made her comeback to Strictly following her cancer battle but had to bow out after dancing alongside JB Gill due to a leg injury.
The video ended with Amy telling Chris: “I believe in you, partner.” The pair received support from his followers and excited fans who said they couldn’t wait for Saturday’s show.
Hope for the season
Amy previously shared her wish for her new dance partner during an appearance on Lorraine Kelly’s ITV programme earlier this year. Lorraine had quipped: “Last year on Strictly, I was not amused and not happy because you were out first. Nothing to do with you and all to do with who you were teamed up with. This year can they just give you a really hot soapstar boyband athlete that you can mould and really let fly.”
Amy replied: “I’d love that. Have a word with them, Lorraine!” Talking about her return, she went on: “Being back after everything I’ve been through, that’s a win to me. But I’d love to at least get to Blackpool, that would be lush!”
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
