Amber Davies reflects on challenges after Strictly Come Dancing
Nikita Kuzmin’s plea to viewers for kindness came during the live semi-final of last year’s Strictly Come Dancing. His celebrity partner, Amber Davies, had faced intense online criticism, particularly surrounding allegations that her previous dance training gave her an unfair edge in the competition, reports BritPanorama.
The backlash, which followed Davies being drafted in last minute to replace the injured Dani Dyer, proved tough for the 29-year-old. “It was a tough experience,” she reflected two months later in a hotel lobby in Leicester, citing the strain it put on her both physically and mentally.
Anticipating the scrutiny due to past instances of similar backlash against other contestants, Davies noted that the scale of criticism directed at her felt particularly intense. “Honestly, I don’t know,” she mused when asked if the severity was linked to her being a young woman. “I just think they needed someone to go in on, and unfortunately, this year it was me.” Despite this, she insisted that the negativity did not undermine her experience on the show, which had always been a dream of hers. “I wanted Strictly to be exactly how I remember it, and it was the best experience of my life.”
After the show, the welfare team continued to support her, with one member texting her just yesterday. “I have no bad words to say about them. I felt so protected. I felt listened to. I felt cared for.”
With Strictly now behind her, Davies is set to showcase her talents as Elle Woods in the touring production of Legally Blonde The Musical, which opened at Leicester’s Curve Theatre and will embark on a year-long UK tour. She described this role as “the biggest role,” expressing excitement over the meaningful representation it offers.
Reflecting on her journey, Davies, raised in Denbigh, north Wales, grew inspired by her older sister Jade, also in the arts. “She was always the coolest person to me. I just wanted to do what she did.” Davies began travelling to London for classes at 13 and pursued her passion full-time after securing a scholarship at 16.
The transition to a professional environment brought substantial challenges. “I was struggling,” she recalls of her early career, which began with a six-month contract on a cruise ship. It was during this time that she was approached about auditioning for Love Island, a decision she felt compelled to pursue. “My gut was telling me, I have to do this,” she said, leading to her eventual victory in the 2017 series alongside Kem Cetinay.
While some question the authenticity of relationships formed in reality TV, Davies asserts their validity, admitting to experiencing genuine feelings during her time on the show. Even though she later found herself following the influencer lifestyle, her passion for musical theatre remained strong, prompting her return to the stage.
She eventually landed a role in 9 to 5: The Musical, marking a pivotal point in her career. “I had to convince them I was worthy of being there… it was frustrating,” she recalled. Yet, with glowing reviews following her performances, Davies has established herself in the theatre scene, participating in numerous productions beyond her reality TV roots.
Davies continues to maintain a notable social media presence, providing her with a valuable platform. However, she remains focused on her craft, maintaining that her journey would have continued regardless of her reality television fame. “I’m content with how I have presented myself in this industry,” she stated, acknowledging the ongoing public scrutiny she faces.
Despite the challenges of online criticism, Davies remains dedicated to her passion for performance. “I literally just want to perform. I want to be on stage. That’s all I want to do.”
Legally Blonde: The Musical is touring the UK until 2 January.
