Amy Dowden Responds to NTA Outcome Amidst Controversy & Celebrates a Busy Week
Following the National Television awards (NTAs) on Wednesday, Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has addressed her fans with a message of gratitude and positivity. Dowden was nominated in the Authored Documentary category for her deeply personal film chronicling her battle with breast cancer and triumphant return to dance. While the award ultimately went to Molly-Mae Hague for a documentary focused on her personal life, Dowden is focusing on the overwhelming support sheS received.
The NTA results sparked considerable debate online, with many viewers expressing disappointment. Fellow Strictly pro Carlos gu initially voiced strong criticism on Instagram (as deleted),questioning the prioritization of a relationship story over documentaries highlighting significant human struggles.
A Week of Highs & Recognition
Dowden took to her Instagram story to share her recognition. “Hi everyone, I thought I’d come on here just to say a fast hello before I have a chilled Saturday night,” she said, featuring her dog, Lenny. “I wanted to say a massive thank you for all of the support and lovely messages this week. It’s been one fab week with the NTA nomination and Strictly filming. Yes, massive, massive thank you.”
This acknowledgement comes after a whirlwind week balancing the NTA nomination with ongoing commitments to the popular BBC dance competition. It underscores Dowden’s resilience and grace in the face of a possibly disheartening outcome.
The Controversy Surrounding the Award
The debate surrounding the NTA documentary win highlights a broader conversation about the types of stories we choose to celebrate. The Mirror reported on Gu’s initial reaction, which expressed frustration that a story about a breakup received the top honor over documentaries detailing profound hardship.
Gu’s statement, shared via a screenshot from his Notes app, read: “A breakup story wins Best Documentary at the NTAs over films about real human suffering, like those battling illness? It’s honestly baffling… There’s something deeply wrong when heartbreak is given more weight than human resilience in the face of terminal disease.”
This sentiment resonated with many who felt Dowden’s documentary, and others in the category, deserved recognition for their powerful and inspiring narratives.
Molly-Mae Hague Acknowledges the Weight of the Recognition
Molly-Mae Hague herself addressed the controversy following her win. In an Instagram post, she expressed humility and acknowledged the strength of the other nominees.
Hague dedicated the award to the late Rob Burrow and his family, as well as the other remarkable individuals featured in the category. She emphasized that their stories held greater power and inspiration than her own, demonstrating a thoughtful understanding of the context surrounding the award.
Why This Matters & What You Can Do
This situation underscores the importance of recognizing and amplifying stories that showcase human resilience, courage, and the fight against adversity.While all stories have value, the NTA outcome prompted a vital discussion about societal priorities and the narratives we choose to elevate.
* Support impactful documentaries: Seek out and share documentaries that explore challenging topics and celebrate human strength.
* Engage in respectful dialog: Continue the conversation about the types of stories we value and why.
* Recognize individual journeys: Acknowledge the courage it takes to share personal stories, irrespective of the outcome of awards ceremonies.
dowden’s response, focusing on gratitude and positivity, serves as a powerful reminder that impact extends beyond accolades. Her journey continues to inspire, and her dedication to dance and advocacy remains unwavering.
Disclaimer: Express Online previously contacted Molly-Mae Hague representatives for comment. Representatives of Carlos Gu declined to comment further.
![Literary Trivia Quiz: Test Your Book Knowledge | [Your Brand/Site Name]](https://i0.wp.com/static01.nyt.com/images/2025/12/22/opinion/22Quiz-Literary-Trivia/22Quiz-Literary-Trivia-facebookJumbo.png?resize=330%2C220&ssl=1 "Literary Trivia Quiz: Test Your Book Knowledge | [Your Brand/Site Name]")
