Professional dancer Amy Dowden has garnered widespread praise for her response to criticism from former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole, who suggested she was "not up to" the show's demands. Dowden, who has openly discussed her ongoing breast cancer treatment, appeared to address Cole's remarks indirectly through a video posted on social media.
Cole had reportedly stated that Dowden had "not been up to the challenge" and had been the first professional eliminated in recent series. He also claimed to observe Dowden "counting in" her partners, which he interpreted as a sign of an incomplete performance.
In response, Dowden shared a video on social media where she mouthed the lyrics to Mariah Carey's song "Obsessed," blowing a kiss to the camera. Her caption included the phrases "Why are you so obsessed with me?" and urged followers to "be kind."
The dancer's reaction was met with strong support from viewers and her Strictly colleagues. Fellow professionals Aljaž Škorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Kevin Clifton, and Carlos Gu, along with presenter Stacey Dooley and actress Sarah Hadland, expressed their admiration and solidarity. Carlos Gu described her response as "iconic as always," while Dowden's celebrity partner from the 2025 season, Thomas Skinner, added "Love you."
Dowden, who made history as Strictly's first Welsh professional dancer in 2017, was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer in 2023. She has been candid about her experiences, including undergoing two mastectomies, chemotherapy, and fertility treatments, often crediting dance for helping her through difficult times.
Her recent seasons on the show have seen early eliminations. In 2024, an injury led to her early departure, and in 2025, she and partner Thomas Skinner were the first to be eliminated. Reflecting on their 2025 elimination on Strictly's It Takes Two, Dowden expressed disappointment that their journey was cut short, while Skinner spoke of Dowden's positive influence on his confidence.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and iPlayer. The current season is scheduled to return on Saturday, October 17, at 18:15 BST.