Strictly's Amy Dowden shares cryptic quote after Brendan Cole says she 'hasn't been doing a very good job' on show since returning after cancer battle
Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden appears to have responded to former show professional Brendan Cole's criticism of her performance on the programme since she returned following her battle with breast cancer.
Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden has shared a cryptic quote after the show's former professional Brendan Cole said she "hasn't been doing a very good job" since returning to the BBC show following her battle with breast cancer.
The 50-year-old star said the 36-year-old fan favourite "has not been up to the challenge" of training her celebrity dance partners after becoming the first pro to be eliminated from the Latin and Ballroom competition for a second consecutive year.
Amy and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, were booted off the show on October 4 after their Cha-cha-cha to I'm Always Here, the theme from Baywatch, failed to impress, while her salsa to Dizzee Rascal's Bonkers with The Apprentice's Thomas Skinner, 35, sent them packing last year.
On Wednesday (07.10.26), she appeared to respond to Brendan's criticism by sharing a cryptic quote on her Instagram Stories.
It read: "Honey, your heart is the most beautiful thing about you.
"Your empathy, your kindness, your sensitivity. Protect it."
Amy was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023 after she found a lump the day before her and her husband Benjamin Jones' honeymoon.
She had a mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy following the diagnosis, and received the all-clear in February 2024.
The star returned to Strictly Come Dancing that year, where she danced with JLS singer JB Gill, 39, but was forced to withdraw after suffering a foot injury, with fellow pro Lauren Oakley, 35, stepping in as her replacement.
Amy, who underwent a second mastectomy in 2025, was thrilled she could return to the show last year, but her time was cut short after Thomas was first to be eliminated, before she and Chris were first to be sent home in the 2026 series.
On Wednesday, Brendan shared he "doesn't think Amy’s been doing a very good job" since returning following a fight with breast cancer.
The straight-talker, who was a pro on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 until 2017, told Sky Vegas: "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."
He added: "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.”
Amy was "heartbroken" that she and Chris were the first couple to be eliminated from this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.
During the October 4 results show, she told 50-year-old host Emma Willis: "Watching Chris grow in confidence, although it was short-lived, only two weeks, that is what I'll take away from it.
"And do you know what? Obviously, I'm heartbroken. It seems to be my luck the last few years, but you know what? My heart is only breaking because I don't get to dance with you on Monday, but I get a friend for life."
