💃 STRICTLY SPEAKING: Amber Davies Reveals How She’s Been Dodging Backlash Over Her West End Dance Experience

When Amber Davies signed up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, she knew it wouldn’t just be the sequins, the samba, and the Saturday night lights that would grab attention. It would also be the whispers — the claims that the Love Island winner turned West End performer had an unfair advantage on the dance floor.

Now, several weeks into the competition, the 28-year-old has finally spoken candidly about the scrutiny, the pressure, and the mental strength it takes to stay grounded when the internet has already decided your story.

From Reality TV to Real Talent

For Amber, who first shot to fame on Love Island in 2017, Strictly represents something much bigger than a chance to lift the Glitterball trophy. It’s the culmination of a lifelong passion for performance — one that began long before reality fame entered the picture.

After her post-Love Island success, Amber made an unexpected career pivot that surprised many. Instead of chasing more reality gigs, she threw herself into professional theatre, landing major roles in Back to the Future: The Musical, 9 to 5, and Bring It On. Her powerful voice and stage presence quickly earned her respect in the theatre world — and now, a place on Britain’s biggest dance show.

But with that success came criticism. Some fans argue that her musical theatre training gives her an unfair leg up. Others insist that performing on stage and mastering ballroom are two completely different worlds.

Amber, meanwhile, has chosen grace and focus over confrontation.

“I completely understand where people are coming from,” she admitted during a recent interview. “If I was watching at home, maybe I’d think the same. But the truth is, nothing — and I mean nothing — prepares you for Strictly. You’re suddenly doing steps you’ve never even heard of, in shoes you can barely stand in, while trying to keep time, smile, and remember the choreography. It’s a whole different beast.”

“I Knew the Comments Would Come”

Amber says she braced herself for the criticism months before the cast was even revealed.

“I knew the comments would come. It’s almost part of the Strictly experience now — people want to know who’s ‘the dancer,’ who’s ‘the underdog.’ But I’ve tried to block out the noise. I’m here to learn, to work hard, and to enjoy every second.”

Her strategy? A deliberate social media detox.

“I’ve stepped away from Twitter completely,” she shared. “You can lose yourself in the opinions of people who’ve never met you. I used to scroll through comments after every show — now I don’t. If something’s important, my family or my management will tell me. Otherwise, I focus on rehearsals and recovery.”

The results speak for themselves. Week after week, Amber has delivered performances that blend precision with personality — from sultry rumbas to high-energy quicksteps that have impressed both judges and audiences alike.

Craig Revel Horwood called one routine “a masterclass in control and connection,” while Shirley Ballas praised her “discipline and elegance.”

Balancing Glamour and Grit

Behind the glitter, Amber admits the Strictly grind is far more demanding than anyone realises.

“People see the final two minutes on TV and think it’s all glam,” she laughed. “But we’re training up to ten hours a day, every day. There are bruises, blisters, and exhaustion — and you’re doing it all in heels! It’s physically and mentally intense, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

Amber’s partner — whose patience and encouragement she calls “life-saving” — has been a major source of strength.

“He’s been amazing,” she smiled. “He pushes me, but he also knows when I’m at my limit. We’ve become such a team. I couldn’t ask for better support.”

“If People Are Talking, It Means They’re Watching”

The star’s ability to stay level-headed amid the frenzy has not gone unnoticed. Fellow contestants describe Amber as “focused, kind, and quietly competitive.” Producers say her professionalism has set a high bar for rehearsals.

But for Amber, the key is keeping perspective.

“At the end of the day, Strictly is about joy,” she said. “It’s about music, movement, and connecting with people. If people are talking, it means they care — and that’s something to be grateful for.”

She also credits her Strictly family — from the professional dancers to the wardrobe and makeup teams — for creating an environment that keeps her grounded.

“There’s this misconception that we’re all rivals,” she said. “But honestly, backstage is full of laughter. Everyone cheers for everyone else. When you’ve been in rehearsal studios for hours on end, you bond like family.”

Looking Ahead

With the competition heating up, Amber is already preparing for her next routine — one she describes as “the most emotional yet.”

“It’s not just about technique,” she hinted. “This dance has a story, and I really want people to feel it.”

Whether or not she makes it to the finals, Amber says she’s already won something more valuable: self-belief.

“I’ve grown so much,” she reflected. “Not just as a performer, but as a person. I’ve learned resilience, patience, and how to keep my head high no matter what’s being said.”

And when asked how she handles the critics now?

“With a smile,” she said simply. “Because I know who I am, I know how hard I’m working — and that’s enough.”

Amber’s Final Word

“People see a polished performance on Saturday night, but they don’t see the struggle, the sweat, the tears, or the moments when you think, ‘I can’t do this.’ That’s the beauty of Strictly. It challenges you in every possible way. And if my journey inspires someone to chase their dream — even if people doubt them — then it’s all worth it.”