Amy Dowden reveals 'heartbreak' in new message about Strictly exit
Viewers were gutted over Sunday night's resultAmy Dowden has shared an emotional tribute to Chris Appleton, saying their Strictly friendship matters more than the elimination result.
The professional dancer posted her message after the pair became the first couple eliminated from the 2026 series.
Alongside photographs from their short run, Amy praised Chris’s commitment through nerves, laughter and demanding rehearsals. She wrote: “I honestly don’t think words can quite describe how proud I am of you.”
Amy said the result was emotional, but their memories and personal connection would survive the competition. She added: “Our dancing journey may have ended, but our friendship certainly hasn’t.”
Viewers fumed over the result on X on Sunday night. Many demanded “justice” for Amy since this is the second year she’s been eliminated first.
One person said: “JUSTICE FOR AMY DOWDEN!”
Another added: “Justice for Amy, she always goes out early.”
Amy Dowden reflects on her friendship with Chris Appleton after Strictly elimination
Over on Instagram, Amy said that gaining a lifelong friend would help soften the disappointment.
She wrote: “I know unfortunately only too well heartbreak. But I also know that the reason it hurts so much is because of the friendship and bond we’ve formed and that’s something that isn’t going anywhere.”
Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer three years earlier and later underwent chemotherapy and two mastectomies.
In her post, she praised Chris’s heart, determination and kindness, stressing that he gave everything during challenging rehearsals.
She concluded: “Chris, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. Thank you for every laugh, every memory, every hug and for simply being you. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
“Love you, my friend. Love your Welsh princess as you call me.”
Chris Appleton explains what Strictly taught him
Chris Appleton said Strictly tested him far beyond the skills he had built during his hairdressing career. The 43-year-old described entering the ballroom as a major step outside his comfort zone.
He said the experience revealed another side of himself and challenged him in unexpected ways.
Chris also regretted not taking Amy further, saying during Sunday’s results show: “I already wish I did better for her because she deserves to go further in the competition.”
Chris said he was grateful to the celebrities, cast and crew who supported his brief run. Joining a programme he watched while growing up had also left him “proud”.
He ultimately identified his bond with Amy as the most important thing he would take away.
How Amy Dowden and Chris Appleton lost the dance-off
The judges’ scores from the first two live shows were combined with the latest public vote. That calculation placed Amy and Chris in the dance-off against Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu.
Chris and Amy reprised their Cha Cha to I’ll Be Ready, which featured in Baywatch. Jaime and Carlos answered with a Cha Cha to Oh, Pretty Woman.
Read more: Strictly viewers praise Johannes Radebe as they spot ‘change’ in his hosting style
Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke each chose Jaime and Carlos. That secured the required majority and confirmed Amy and Chris would leave.
Craig Revel Horwood said he would also have saved Jaime and Carlos if his vote had been needed. The verdict made Amy and Chris the first couple to leave the 2026 contest.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday October 10 from 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
