Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden Opens Up About Cast Shake-Up As She Joins Celebrity Gogglebox With Carlos Gu
The glittering world of Strictly Come Dancing is rarely without its twists and turns, both on and off the dancefloor. As fans eagerly await the return of the beloved BBC show, the news of a massive casting shake-up has sent shockwaves through the dedicated audience. Five fan-favourite professional dancers are bidding farewell to the ballroom, and for the first time in over a decade, a brand new presenting trio will take the reins.
Amidst these seismic changes, one of the show’s brightest stars, Amy Dowden, is reflecting on what the departures mean to her, whilst simultaneously embarking on an exciting new television venture. Alongside her close friend and fellow Strictly professional, Carlos Gu, Amy is trading in her dancing shoes and sequins for some comfortable slippers and a spot on the sofa, as the dynamic duo join the cast of Channel 4’s smash-hit Celebrity Gogglebox.
Their appearance on the acclaimed spin-off series, airing this Friday at 9pm, promises a completely different side to the usually poised performers. Settling in amongst an array of snacks—including mini pretzels, popcorn, and an interesting selection of melons—Amy and Carlos are ready to give the nation their unfiltered opinions on the week’s television.
Fans are accustomed to seeing the pair under the intense pressure of the ballroom, accepting critiques from the formidable Strictly judges. Now, the tables have turned. Carlos, known for his vibrant personality and expressive nature, has issued a playful warning that he certainly won’t be holding back when the roles are reversed.
“I had the best time – honestly, it was so much fun!” Carlos enthusiastically shared ahead of their Gogglebox debut. “I’m very expressive anyway, so you can imagine, I don’t hold back when I’m watching TV! Celebrity Gogglebox is all about emotion, humour and just enjoying yourself, and that’s exactly what I love. It felt like me and Amy were having our own little party on the sofa!”
For Amy, the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy some television is a welcome change of pace. “Celebrity Gogglebox was fab-u-lous!” the 35-year-old Welsh dancer remarked. “I’m so used to being on my feet performing, it was such a treat to sit back, laugh, and react to all those brilliant shows.” She went on to express her delight at sharing such “genuine, feel-good moments” with Carlos and the viewers tuning in at home.
However, while Amy is thoroughly enjoying her Gogglebox experience, her thoughts inevitably remain close to her Strictly family. The upcoming 2026 series of the iconic dance competition is set to be one of the most transformative in its history. The BBC recently confirmed the departure of five cherished professional dancers: Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Adding to the magnitude of the changes, the beloved hosting duo of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have also exited the show. In their place, a fresh presenting trio consisting of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take charge of the ballroom proceedings—marking the first hosting change in 11 years.
Addressing these significant departures, Amy offered a poignant and emotionally charged reflection. Speaking candidly to Woman Magazine, she admitted that seeing her colleagues move on is deeply saddening.
“It’s so sad to see some of your Strictly family move on. That’s never easy. It’s a difficult one, isn’t it,” she confessed. Yet, despite the sadness of farewells, Amy remains incredibly proud of the profound impact Strictly Come Dancing has on both the participants and the audience. Her perspective is uniquely shaped by her own harrowing experience over the past year.
In 2023, Amy received a devastating stage three breast cancer diagnosis. The gruelling treatment that followed, including chemotherapy and two mastectomies, left her fearing that her career as a professional dancer might be over. However, she has shown immense resilience and courage, recently declaring that she is feeling “fitter and stronger than ever” as she prepares to return to the Strictly dancefloor.
It was during her darkest days of treatment that the true power of the show became vividly apparent to her. “But I’ve seen the joy Strictly brings to people going through hard times,” she explained, her words carrying the weight of personal experience.
“When I was on the chemo ward, the buzz that the show brings, it made me so proud to be part of that experience, that’s what the show does, it brings escapism.”
Her touching testament highlights the show’s unique ability to transcend mere entertainment, offering a vital source of light and distraction for those facing immense challenges. Amy’s own return to the ballroom will undoubtedly be one of the most emotional and highly anticipated moments of the upcoming series.
As Strictly Come Dancing navigates this era of significant transition, the show’s core message of joy, resilience, and the sheer love of dance remains stronger than ever. Fans will undoubtedly miss the familiar faces departing the show, but the excitement for the new presenting team and the returning professionals is palpable.
For now, audiences can look forward to seeing Amy and Carlos in a completely different light on Celebrity Gogglebox. Whether they are cheering on their favourite characters or dishing out “brutally honest” critiques, the duo is sure to provide an abundance of entertainment. As Amy prepares to step back under the glitterball, her inspiring journey and her touching tribute to her departing colleagues serve as a beautiful reminder of the tight-knit family that exists behind the sequins and the spotlight. The upcoming season of Strictly may look different, but with stars like Amy Dowden leading the charge, its heart clearly remains exactly where it belongs.
