# Criticism of Strictly Come Dancing professionals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/criticism-of-strictly-come-dancing-professionals
> Updated: 2026-10-18T12:25:37.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amy-dowden-responds-to-brendan-coles-strictly-criticism

### 2026-09-21: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brendan-cole-criticizes-strictly-come-dancing-lineup-and-presenters

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Cite as: Criticism of Strictly Come Dancing professionals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/criticism-of-strictly-come-dancing-professionals