Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has launched a vile attack at Amy Dowden, claiming she hasn’t been doing a ‘good job’ on the show
Brendan Cole has accused professional dancer Amy Dowden of “not doing a good job” on Strictly Come Dancing. Amy, 36, became the first pro to be sent home this year alongside her celebrity partner Chris Appleton.
It’s the second time in two years Amy has been elminated first after being paired with Thomas Skinner in 2025.
Brendan, 50, who was a professional on Strictly from 2004 to 2017, has given a scathing critique of Amy’s time on the show, saying she ‘hasn’t been up to the challenge’ of training a celebrity, despite bravely returning to the show after her battle with cancer.
Amy was diagnosed in May 2023 and subsequently missed competing that year, but made her return in 2024.
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Brendan 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.”
Giving his verdict on Amy’s two dances with Chris, Brendan went on: “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.”
On her return to Strictly, Amy was partnered with JLS singer JB Gill, but later collapsed backstage during the Halloween week special and was taken to the hospital. She later withdrew from the programme after sustaining an injury to her foot.
Last year, she was partnered with The Apprentice’s Thomas Skinner, but they were sent home during the first week of the competition.
Amy found herself again at the bottom of the leader board in Week 1 this year, and went up against actress Jaime Winston and Carlos Gu in the dance off.
Motsi Mabuse, head judge Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke all voted unanimously to save Jaime with Craig Revel Horwood saying he would have followed suit.
Amy said she was ‘heartbroken’ by her early exit. “Watching Chris grow in confidence, although it was short-lived – only two weeks – that is what I’ll take away. Obviously, I’m heartbroken.
“This seems to be my luck the last few years, but do you know what? My heart is only breaking because I don’t get to dance with [Chris] on Monday. But I get a friend for life, and that’s what’s gonna heal my broken heart.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Amy took to social media to reflect further on the news of being eliminated. She said alongside a string of snaps with Chris: “I honestly don’t think words can quite describe how proud I am of you… Seeing your Strictly journey come to an end is emotional, but what I’ll treasure most isn’t the result, it’s the friendship, memories and special moments we’ve shared along the way. I know, unfortunately, only too well heartbreak…
“But I also know that the reason it hurts so much is because of the friendship and bond we’ve formed and that’s something that isn’t going anywhere… From the nerves, the laughter and the endless rehearsals to the moments when things felt tough, you gave everything you had…
“You showed such heart, determination and kindness, and it has been an absolute privilege to share this journey with you. Strictly may have brought us together as partners, but I truly believe it has given me a friend for life… Our dancing journey may have ended, but our friendship certainly hasn’t. Chris, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. Thank you for every laugh, every memory, every hug and for simply being you. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way…”
The Mirror has approached Amy’s representative for comment.
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