Kristina Rihanoff praises Amy Dowden for her courage in returning to Strictly Come Dancing after her breast cancer battle
Amy Dowden returned to Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 after she got the all-clear from stage three breast cancer in February that year, and former show pro Kristina Rihanoff has been impressed by Amy's "amazing" spirit.
Kristina Rihanoff has praised Amy Dowden's strength and courage for returning to Strictly Come Dancing following her battle with stage three breast cancer.
The 36-year-old professional dancer was diagnosed with the disease in May 2023 after she found a lump before she and her husband, Benjamin Jones, went on their honeymoon, and following a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Amy got the all-clear in February 2024.
She made her Strictly comeback that year and danced with JLS singer JB Gill, 39, and although she withdrew after injuring her foot, with fellow pro Lauren Oakley, 35, stepping in, Amy returned for the 2025 series being paired with Tom Skinner and was back again for this year's series, leaving Kristina, 49, in awe.
This year, Amy was paired with celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, but they became the first pairing to be booted off the show after their cha-cha-cha to I'm Always Here, the theme from Baywatch, failed to impress the judges.
Despite her mixed results on Strictly Come Dancing, Kristina - who competed on the BBC ballroom show for 16 seasons - believes Amy has done "amazing" to return to the dancefloor.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at the 2026 Best Heroes Awards, sponsored by DFS, at The Waldorf Hilton, London on Tuesday night (13.10.26), Kristina said: "We know that Amy has suffered so much in her health journey.
"And it's amazing that she's there, and she's amazing.
"I think she's a wonderful model, actually, because I'm not by any means going through the same, but she's also a fellow judge. When I go to competitions, I see her judging them. I'm there with either my dance studio or also a judge. So I see her around.
"I take my hat off to her for being so strong, so courageous. It's hard to step back in, I think, into the world of cameras and people's judgmental opinions and stuff."
Kristina's comments come after former Strictly Come Dancing pro Brendan Cole, 50, stated that he "doesn't think Amy’s been doing a very good job" since returning to the competition after beating cancer.
On 7 October, Brendan shared his criticism of Amy.
The straight-talker - who competed 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."
In reference to her pairing with Chris this year, 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."
That day, Amy appeared to respond to Brendan's comments 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."
Kristina is not a fan of fellow professionals criticising one another, and thinks it's important to support each other.
Although she had not read Brendan's full comments, Kristina said: "I think just be kind to each other. We don't have to poke each other or say something unpleasant.
"I think kindness is the key. The world is difficult enough now."
Fan-favourite 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, Amy 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."
