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2 clusters · 5 sources · 28 days · First seen · Last updated

Criticism of Strictly Come Dancing professionals

Overview

Former professional dancer Brendan Cole has criticized the 2026 lineup and presentation of the BBC program ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Cole suggested the cast lacks recognizable names and remarked that comedian Josh Widdicombe appeared like a “lamb to the slaughter” while co-hosting alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe.

Following these remarks, professional dancer Amy Dowden responded to Cole’s criticism regarding her teaching abilities. Cole had suggested Dowden “hasn’t been up to the challenge” of training celebrities, citing her recent early exits from the competition. Dowden addressed the comments by emphasizing the importance of kindness and her desire to be a positive role model, rather than making personal remarks.

Entities

Brendan Cole · Amy Dowden · Johannes Radebe · Chris Appleton · Josh Widdicombe

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Amy Dowden responds to Brendan Cole's Strictly criticism

    Amy Dowden has addressed criticism from Brendan Cole regarding her performance on Strictly Come Dancing, emphasizing the importance of kindness and being a positive role model.

  2. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Brendan Cole criticizes Strictly Come Dancing lineup and presenters

    Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has criticized the 2026 celebrity lineup for lacking star power and commented on comedian Josh Widdicombe’s debut presenting style.

Sources

entertainmentdaily.co.uk · entertainmentdaily.com · gbnews.com · independent.co.uk · uk.news.yahoo.com