Ex Strictly pro 'gutted' by backlash after slating Amy Dowden's dancing

Amy Dowden stood on the glittering Strictly stage, her smile wide as she twirled beside partner Chris Appleton. The applause washed over her, a brief moment of triumph that would soon be eclipsed by the sharp sting of elimination. Two years running, the former breast‑cancer survivor and television presenter found herself cut from the show in the very first round, a fate mirrored in 2025 when she and The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner were also sent home early. The pattern has left fans and critics alike questioning her place on the dance floor.

When former pro Brendan Cole took to Sky Vegas to voice his opinion, he said Amy “hasn’t been up to the challenge” of training another celebrity. His words, meant as a professional assessment, were seized upon by social media users who felt the comment was harsh, especially given Amy’s recent battle with cancer. The backlash was swift, with many accusing Cole of being insensitive to a woman who had survived breast cancer and had since returned to the show in 2024.

Cole’s reaction to the outcry was one of genuine disappointment. He described the situation as “blown all out of proportion” and admitted that he was “devastated” by how his remarks were received. In a conversation with the Daily Mail, he explained that he had not intended to attack Amy’s personal history or her charitable work. Instead, he was responding to a question about choreography quality, a nuance that was lost in the rapid spread of comments online.

Brendan’s colleague, James Jordan, stepped into the fray to defend his friend. He told the Daily Mail that Cole had never meant to disparage Amy and that the criticism had been “taken out of proportion.” Jordan suggested that a more constructive approach would have been to reach out to Amy directly, offering a private conversation rather than a public critique. His remarks underline how quickly professional dialogue can become a public spectacle, especially when the stakes involve personal health narratives.

Watching Amy’s journey from a cancer survivor to a public figure, the sting of criticism feels all the more personal. She has used her platform to champion Crohn’s disease and cancer awareness, turning her own struggles into advocacy. When a former pro’s words are perceived as dismissive, it is not just a professional rebuke; it is a reminder of how fragile public perception can be, especially for women who have already endured significant personal battles.

As a writer, I am reminded of the power of context. A single sentence, stripped of its surrounding circumstances, can ignite a wave of judgment that eclipses the original intent. The dance world, with its blend of artistry and competition, is no stranger to heated debates. Yet, the way these debates unfold matters. When criticism is framed without empathy, it risks alienating those who have already faced adversity.

The conversation around Amy Dowden’s exit from Strictly is more than a footnote in a television series; it is a reflection of how society navigates the intersection of talent, health, and public perception. In the weeks ahead, the show’s producers and the dance community will likely reassess how feedback is delivered, ensuring that future critiques honor both the craft and the individuals who bring it to life.