Amy Dowden has travelled to Los Angeles to reunite with her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Chris Appleton, days after responding to criticism over her early exit from the 2026 series.
The BBC One show's first eliminated couple this year, celebrity hairstylist Chris and pro dancer Amy, were voted off after Movie Week, which took place in week two of the series. It marked the second consecutive year that the Welsh dancer had been the first to leave, having finished in the bottom two with Thomas Skinner during the previous edition.
Hollywood reunion documented on Instagram
Despite their time on Strictly ending, Amy and Chris have remained close friends. Amy shared a picture of the pair, apparently back in a training room, on her Instagram, and later posted more images from their time together, including a trip to see the Hollywood sign and a series of glam photos.
"Hollywood called [heart emoji] @chrisappleton1," Amy, who confirmed Wednesday (November 4) was her last night in LA, captioned the post before receiving a flood of messages. Head judge Shirley Ballas wrote: "Beautiful girl @amy_dowden." Former Strictly partner Karim Zeroual replied: "Hollywood suits you, you superstar!" Reality star Louise Thompson commented: "So Gorg girl."
Response to Brendan Cole criticism
The trip comes after Amy hit back at former Strictly pro Brendan Cole, who was reported to have said Amy "wasn't up to the challenge" of being a pro on the show. Amy was quickly defended by fans and later appeared to respond with an Instagram video.
Amy, who returned to the show in 2024 after beating breast cancer, told Closer magazine: "I'm sad it was so personal. It wasn't just about the dancing, it was personal. But I don't want to give him the attention he so desperately craves." The 36-year-old added: "Why not pick up the phone and check how I was after those headlines? I haven't heard from him, but it's fine, I don't expect anything else."
