Sunday, October 11, 2026 -Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden has won widespread support after delivering a cheeky response to former show star Brendan Cole’s criticism of her performance on the BBC competition. The 36-year-old Welsh dancer took to Instagram on Saturday, October 10, sharing a video of herself lip-syncing to Mariah Carey’s hit song “Obsessed.”
Her playful post came days after Cole claimed she had not been performing well enough in recent series. Rather than addressing his comments directly, Dowden appeared to brush off the criticism with humour, prompting fans to celebrate her confidence and sharp response.
Cole, who appeared on Strictly from 2004 to 2017, questioned Dowden’s performance after she and celebrity partner Chris Appleton became the first couple eliminated from the 2026 series. He argued that her recent early exits raised questions about her effectiveness as a professional dancer on the programme.
Dowden’s social media post featured the pointed lyrics from Carey’s track alongside the caption, “If you know, you know,” followed by hashtags encouraging kindness. Several current and former Strictly stars joined fans in praising her response, with actress Bethany Antonia describing it as iconic.
The exchange has sparked renewed discussion among viewers about criticism, professionalism and the pressures faced by dancers competing on national television. Dowden’s return to the show carries particular significance after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023 and subsequent treatment, which forced her to step away from the competition.
Although her latest journey ended earlier than she had hoped, the support she has received demonstrates the strong connection she maintains with fans. As debate over Cole’s remarks continues, Dowden appears determined to move forward with positivity, leaving supporters applauding her resilience and refusing to let negative comments define her career.
