NRT briefing
Amy Dowden praised for 'iconic' clapback at ex-Strictly professional dancer
Based on reporting by BBC News.
The Brief
BBC News reports that Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has received widespread praise for her response to criticism from former Strictly dancer Brendan Cole. Cole, speaking to Sky Vegas, claimed Dowden was "not up to" the challenge of the show, noting she had been eliminated first in the 2026 series with her celebrity partner, hairstylist Chris Appleton.
Cole also said he could see Dowden "counting in" her partners, which he felt indicated the "job has not been done."
Rather than issuing a direct reply, Dowden posted a video on social media of herself miming the opening line of Mariah Carey's song "Obsessed," blowing a kiss to the camera and mouthing, "Why are you so obsessed with me?" The post, captioned "If you know, you know," with hashtags promoting kindness, drew supportive comments from fans and fellow Strictly stars, including Aljaž Škorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Kevin Clifton, Carlos Gu, Stacey Dooley, and Sarah Hadland.
Appleton responded "Love you," and Dowden became emotional on Strictly's It Takes Two after their elimination, expressing pride in Appleton's growth and saying she believed there was "so much more to come."
Dowden, who was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer in 2023 and has been open about her treatment, made history as Strictly's first Welsh professional dancer in 2017. She returned to the show in 2024 but left early due to a foot injury, and was also eliminated first in 2025.
NRT commentary
How We See It
Brendan Cole's criticism of Amy Dowden seems unnecessarily harsh and overlooks the broader context of her recent health battles. Dowden has been candid about her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, including two mastectomies and chemotherapy, and her return to the show at all demonstrates remarkable resilience.
Cole's focus on her elimination record ignores the fact that she has faced extraordinary challenges that would have sidelined many others. His comments, particularly the claim that she was "counting in" her partners, come across as nitpicking rather than constructive feedback.
Dowden's response, using Mariah Carey's lyrics to brush off the criticism with grace and humor, was a masterclass in handling negativity. Rather than engaging in a public feud, she chose to promote kindness, which resonates with viewers who appreciate her positive attitude.
While Cole is entitled to his opinion, his remarks seem to lack empathy and fail to recognize the courage it takes to perform at such a high level while recovering from serious illness. The public support Dowden received, from colleagues and fans alike, indicates that the Strictly community values her contributions and spirit far more than her elimination record.
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