Strictly Come Dancing fans demand better for ‘heartbroken’ star eliminated first

For one Strictly Come Dancing 2026 couple, their journey to the Glitter Ball is over before it really began.

The first elimination of the series aired tonight, with the judges’ scores added to those from last week’s live show, when there was no public vote.

To determine their fate, the two lowest-scoring pairs had to perform again in the dreaded dance-off before the infamous red lights fell and the panel cast their votes.

Chris Appleton, 43, and Amy Dowden, 36, faced off against Jaime Winstone, 41, and Carlos Gu, 33, in a bid for survival, but ultimately it was curtains for the celebrity hairdresser.

In a cha cha showdown, Chris and Amy performed their Baywatch-inspired number to I’ll Be Ready, while Jaime and Carlos recreated their stylish Pretty Woman routine.

Alas, the decision was unanimous, and despite giving it his all in ab-baring, muscle-flexing lifeguard attire, Chris was for the chop.

Delivering their verdicts, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke all voted to save Jaime.

With three votes in their favour, the actress and pro partner Carlos secured the majority and avoided landing on the cutting room floor this Movie Week.

Craig Revel Horwood – who this week was the judge with the deciding vote – said he would also have saved Jaime and Carlos should he have been required to vote.

Speaking after the verdict was in, Chris called the Strictly experience a ‘whirlwind of emotion’ and said he’s ‘grateful for everyone who’s been involved’.

‘But the most important thing I think I’ll take from this show is having a friend in Amy, because I am so grateful that I met someone with so much heart and passion. I already wish I did better for her, because she deserves to go further in the competition,’ he said sweetly.

Welsh pro Amy added: ‘Watching Chris grow in confidence, although it was short-lived – only two weeks – that is what I’ll take away.’

Reflecting on her brief stint last series, she said: ‘Obviously, I’m heartbroken. This seems to be my luck the last few years, but do you know what? My heart is only breaking because I don’t get to dance with [Chris] on Monday.

‘But I get a friend for life, and that’s what’s gonna heal my broken heart.’

The rest of the cast flocked to the dance floor to say goodbye to Chris and Amy, with viewers taking to social media ‘gutted’ for Amy, who was also first out last year with Thomas Skinner and had to withdraw in week six in 2024 due to injury.

‘I hope Amy gets a better partner next year😪’, @kha_lilah_ wrote on X, with @zerkeymd saying she and Chris were ‘robbed’.

‘Shame to see Chris go, he seems like a nice guy and was enjoying the show. Would like to have seen him and Amy stay longer,enjoyed their partnership’, @mrsjhutch28 said.

@michellepryde was ‘surprised’ to also find Jaime in the bottom two, while @Olivia270291 called the result ‘so unfair’.

Last weekend, Chris and Amy scored just 16 points for their tango.

So, it’s back to Hollywood for the stylist, who has worked with stars including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Ariana Grande, and Katy Perry.

Now, 14 couples remain, and they’re back to the rehearsal room bright and early tomorrow morning before another nail-biting elimination next Sunday.

Last night, Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington topped the leaderboard, having finished second last week with 29 points but going one better with their A Star is Born American Smooth.

Their impressive total of 59 points placed them firmly in first place, with Shirley declaring the former Neighbours actress ‘a force to be reckoned with’.

Motsi told the star she had a ‘special talent to give feeling’, adding: ‘You’ve got everything it takes. I believe in you.’

In joint second place on the scoreboard were Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola, and Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley, both bagging 55.

Unfortunately for John Nellis and Katya Jones, though, while their week one foxtrot mesmerised the panel and scored a mega 31 points, their couple’s choice fell flat.

Craig described the routine to An Irish Party in Third Class from Titanic as ‘too heavy-footed’, and they earned just 23 points, putting them in fourth.

At the other end of the leaderboard were Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters and pro partner Aljaž Škorjanec with 30 points, while Chris and Amy had 33.

But despite being at the bottom of the pile and scoring 15 for the second week running, Melanie and Aljaž took the criticism of their Edelweiss waltz in jest.

‘We choreographed the mistakes in,’ Aljaž quipped. ‘I’m glad the judges spotted them!’

Movie Week – which typically takes place in week three of Strictly but was moved forward this year – also marked the second live show for new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.

After a week of backlash and social media cruelty, the trio had a lot to prove, particularly comedian Josh, whom trolls brutally branded a ‘spare part’.

And while professional Johannes was praised for his improvement, having seemingly settled into his role interviewing the couples fresh off the floor with flair and humour, viewers still had issues.

Some were irritated upon noticing Emma spent a lot of time simply ‘standing there’ while Josh cracked jokes, describing her as like a ‘sidekick’, while others suggested the Last Leg star’s witty remarks would be better suited alongside Johannes upstairs.

Throughout the week, fellow Strictly crew have defended the shake-up, which also saw five new professionals replace fan favourites, new opening titles, and a new It Takes Two host in Ellie Taylor.

We even have an extra spin-off show now, titled Lights Up, and fronted by Abi Clarke and radio presenter Tyler West, which captures the immediate aftermath of the elimination from the studio.

Lauren, who is dancing with dog trainer Graeme, wrote on her Instagram Story: ‘We couldn’t be in safer hands than with these beautiful people.

‘Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone.’

Josh hasn’t directly responded to any of the criticism, but he did repost Lauren’s message of support, adding love hearts.

Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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