Overview
- Dowden and partner Chris Appleton were the first professional pairing eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026 after losing a dance-off to Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu.
- Former Strictly pro Brendan Cole publicly criticised Dowden’s recent performances, saying he felt she had 'not been up to the challenge' of training a celebrity partner.
- Dowden replied with a light-hearted Instagram video lip-syncing Mariah Carey and a '#bekind' caption, a post that was shared just before the live show and drew strong praise online.
- Peers and fans publicly backed Dowden, and Appleton posted a reunited clip recreating the Dirty Dancing lift to show support after their exit.
- Reporting notes Dowden’s 2023 grade-three breast cancer treatment and a 2024 foot injury as background that shapes public reaction and could influence how critics and viewers judge her future Strictly appearances.