Amy Dowden Shares Cryptic Quote After Brendan Cole's Criticism

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden shared a cryptic quote on social media about the importance of a "beautiful heart" on Wednesday, hours after fellow dancer Brendan Cole stated she "hasn't been doing a very good job" on the show. Cole's comments came after Dowden and her celebrity partner, Chris Appleton, were eliminated from the competition.

Dowden appeared to address Cole's remarks by re-sharing a message on her Instagram Stories that read: "Honey, your heart is the most beautiful thing about you. Your empathy, your kindness, your sensitivity. Protect it."

In addition to the quote, Dowden also posted pictures from a reunion with Appleton in the countryside. She captioned the images: "Thank you @chrisappleton1 for the most beautiful day in the countryside. A day and a soul I’m so lucky to have."

Dowden, who was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in May 2023 and declared cancer-free in February 2024, was the first professional dancer to be eliminated from the current season. She and Appleton landed in the dance-off during Movie Week against actress Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu.

Brendan Cole, who was a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2011, stated in an interview that he felt Dowden "hasn't been up to the challenge" of training a celebrity partner, citing her early eliminations in recent years. "One can do the maths on that," Cole commented.

He added, "She's standing out there counting him in. She's counting every step for him. It's very obvious that the job has not been done, and I don't think people are enjoying it."

Despite being declared cancer-free, Dowden continues to undergo regular check-ups, monthly injections, scans, and follow-up treatments as part of a five-year recovery plan. Following her cancer diagnosis in 2023, she had to withdraw from that season halfway through due to collapsing backstage. Last year, she was partnered with Thomas Skinner, and they were the first couple eliminated.

Following her elimination on Monday, Dowden expressed her pride in Appleton on Instagram, writing about the friendship and memories they shared. "I honestly don’t think words can quite describe how proud I am of you... Seeing your Strictly journey come to an end is emotional, but what I’ll treasure most isn’t the result, it’s the friendship, memories and special moments we’ve shared along the way," she posted. "Strictly may have brought us together as partners, but I truly believe it has given me a friend for life."