Amber Davies Opens Up About Backlash Over Dance Experience on Strictly, Shares Emotional Backstage Moments

AMBER Davies has spoken out regarding the criticism she faced after joining Strictly, despite her extensive experience in the West End.

Her performances include shows like 9 to 5, Back to the Future, The Great Gatsby, and Pretty Woman.

Amber Davies has addressed the criticism she has received since joining Strictly. She even recalled a moment this week when she was moved to tears over a challenging dance move.

She recently took over from Dani Dyer, who left after the first episode of the series due to an injury.

Amber quickly became one of the joint female favorites, alongside another contestant, both at 5/1 with Ladbrokes.

Social media discussions soon focused on her extensive experience, leading fans to criticize Strictly and ignite another controversy.

During an appearance on This Morning, Amber addressed her background and the backlash she has faced, clarifying her position.

Show host Ben remarked to Amber: “You’re a professional performer.”

Cat later added: “You have experience in dancing,” to which Amber responded, “Yes.”

“But you’re not a ballroom dancer; you’ve never performed the samba before,” Cat pointed out.

Amber quickly confirmed: “No, no, no.”

She then explained, “I also want to emphasize that the world of musicals is completely different from ballroom dancing.”

Ben then inquired how she feels when people claim she shouldn't be on the show due to her professional dancing background.

“I completely understand their perspective, as I can perform,” she said.

“But just yesterday, while practicing our American Smooth, even the simple act of walking left and right brought me to tears.”

“It’s far more intricate than one might assume.”

Nikita then clarified that it involved “three steps” and can be “really challenging.”

Amber then elaborated on how it “exhausts every muscle in your body.”

This follows reports that when Amber joined the show, her fellow contestants were not pleased.

A TV insider stated at the time: “The celebrities are trying to maintain a positive attitude and don't want to express their discontent to the producers.

“However, behind the scenes, there’s a lot of talk about how it feels unfair to have two highly skilled dancers with significant stage experience in the lineup.

“Having one contestant with that background is understandable, but having two is perceived as unjust, especially if they both reach the final.”

had to withdraw after revealing she had fractured her foot during rehearsals with her professional partner and would be unable to perform in tonight’s first live show of the 2025 series.

Amber, who hails from North Wales and received a scholarship at 16 to study musical theatre at London’s Urdang performing arts academy, will partner with Ukrainian Nikita, 27, and they will perform a waltz.

She expressed after the announcement: “I have watched Strictly with my family since childhood, and being part of the show feels like a dream come true.”

Nikita was initially paired with Dani Dyer, but after her withdrawal, he was matched with Amber at the last minute.