# Strictly Come Dancing 2026 contestant eliminations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/strictly-come-dancing-2026-contestant-eliminations
> Updated: 2026-10-06T22:20:17.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden were the first couple eliminated from the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The elimination occurred following a Movie Week themed dance-off where judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke unanimously voted to save Jaime Winstone and partner Carlos Gu.

Following the exit, Amy Dowden described herself as being “gutted” and “heartbroken,” though she noted the value of the friendships formed. Chris Appleton reflected on the experience as a challenge that helped him build confidence and manage his nerves.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Amy Dowden and Chris Appleton eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing

Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden are the first couple eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing after losing a unanimous judges' vote in the first dance-off.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amy-dowden-and-chris-appleton-eliminated-from-strictly-come-dancing

### 2026-10-04: Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing

Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden are the first couple eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026 after losing a Movie Week dance-off against Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/strictly-come-dancing-chris-appleton-and-amy-dowden-eliminated

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Cite as: Strictly Come Dancing 2026 contestant eliminations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/strictly-come-dancing-2026-contestant-eliminations