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Brendan Cole says Amy Dowden 'hasn't been doing a very good job' on Strictly as fans call him 'bitter'

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

Amy Dowden, who Brendan Cole has accused of "counting every step" for her celebrity partner and failing to do "the job" since her cancer battle.
Amy Dowden, who Brendan Cole has accused of "counting every step" for her celebrity partner and failing to do "the job" since her cancer battle.

Amy Dowden has responded with a cryptic Instagram post about having a 'beautiful heart' after Brendan Cole said she had failed to meet the demands of training celebrities on Strictly Come Dancing. Cole told Sky Vegas that Dowden has been 'out first for the last few years' and urged viewers to 'do the maths'. Dowden, who battled breast cancer from 2023 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, became the first pro eliminated for the second year running after she and partner Chris Appleton lost Sunday's dance-off.

Strictly fans flooded social media branding Cole 'bitter' and urging him to 'leave her alone' following her cancer battle.

Cole said Appleton was visibly 'counting every step' and insisted 'the job has not been done' and 'people are not enjoying it'.

Dowden reunited with Appleton for tea and scones in the countryside, posting: 'A day and a soul I'm so lucky to have.'

MoreDaily MailStrictly's Amy Dowden posts quote after Brendan Cole's remarksDaily MailEx Strictly pro Brendan Cole says Amy Dowden 'hasn't done a good job'The SunStrictly fans slam 'bitter' Brendan Cole after his swipe at Amy Dowden and beg 'leave her alone' following cancer battle - The SunMetro.co.ukFormer Strictly star says Amy Dowden ‘not doing very good job’ on the showLondon Evening StandardAmy Dowden 'not doing a good job' on Strictly, says former pro dancer
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