Amy Dowden has responded to criticism directed at her (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has answered back after former show dancer Brendan Cole criticised her performance. The 36-year-old returned to the latest BBC series, partnering with celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.
The couple were the first celebrities to leave the competition. Brendan, 50, later questioned Amy’s performance, claiming she had not been “up to the challenge” over “the last few years”.
Amy has now addressed his comments in an interview with Closer magazine. She returned to Strictly in 2024 after undergoing treatment for stage three breast cancer.
Speaking to the magazine, Amy said: “I’m sad it was so personal. It wasn’t just about the dancing, it was personal. But I don’t want to give him the attention he so desperately craves.”
She also said she was surprised that Brendan had not contacted her after seeing the headlines generated by his remarks. According to Wales Online, he did not call to apologise or ask how she was feeling.
Amy added: “Why not pick up the phone and check how I was after those headlines? I haven’t heard from him, but it’s fine. I don’t expect anything else.”
Despite the setback, Amy has remained determined to continue her dancing career and has not allowed her early Strictly exit to overshadow her progress since recovering from cancer. She was diagnosed in 2023 after finding a lump while on honeymoon with her husband, Ben Jones.
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Her treatment included a mastectomy and chemotherapy. During her recovery, Amy also battled sepsis while managing Crohn’s disease, a condition she has lived with since childhood, before making her return to the dance floor.
Brendan Cole previously criticised Amy’s performance (Image: GETTY)
Amy has also used her experience to support other people living with Crohn’s disease, contributing to fundraising campaigns during her cancer journey. Her advocacy work was recognised when she received an MBE from King Charles.
The dancer has spoken openly about her health several times this year. In August, viewers saw parts of her cancer treatment during Celebrity Hunted, including a hospital visit for preventative care with fellow dancers.
Although the scenes proved emotional for viewers, Amy told the Independent that revisiting her illness no longer affects her mental wellbeing. She said: “I don’t really find it hard now revisiting it because I’m at the hospital once a month.
“It’s part of my routine now. I celebrate now how far I’ve come, how strong I feel, how healthy I am, and I’m just grateful really, and honoured to feel this way.”
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