Amber Strictly Come Dancing has become one of the most talked-about stories of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. When Amber Davies—best known for winning Love Island and starring in West End productions—was announced as a last-minute replacement for an injured contestant, her journey immediately captured public attention. Her story combines elements of reality TV fame, theatrical experience, and competitive dancing, making her one of the most compelling figures of the season.
The term Amber Strictly Come Dancing specifically refers to Amber Davies’s participation in the 2025 series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Her involvement is notable because she joined the competition at extremely short notice, demonstrating both courage and adaptability in one of Britain’s most demanding entertainment shows. Her presence has sparked widespread discussion, from fan admiration to debates about fairness in the competition.
Who Is Amber Davies?
Amber Davies is a Welsh actress, television personality, and performer whose career spans reality TV, theatre, and media appearances. She first rose to fame in 2017 when she won the third series of Love Island, quickly becoming a household name in the UK. Her charm, confidence, and strong public presence paved the way for a flourishing career in entertainment.
After Love Island, Amber pursued a career in theatre, starring in West End productions including Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical, and The Great Gatsby. Her experience on stage provided her with valuable performance skills, stamina, and discipline—qualities that would later become essential for competing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Amber also participated in Dancing on Ice in 2024, giving her some competitive dance experience, although ballroom dancing requires a very different skill set. Alongside her television and theatre work, she has engaged in podcasting and media projects, further expanding her public profile. This combination of reality TV fame and professional performance experience positioned her as a strong contender when she was asked to step into the Strictly Come Dancing spotlight.
How Amber Joined Strictly Come Dancing
Amber Davies’s entry into Strictly Come Dancing 2025 was unusual and dramatic. Originally, contestant Dani Dyer was scheduled to participate in the series but suffered a fractured ankle during rehearsals just days before the first live show. With the competition about to begin, producers needed a replacement quickly. Amber was approached and agreed to join the show with only 24 hours’ notice, making her one of the fastest last-minute replacements in the show’s history.
Her willingness to step in under such pressure highlighted her adaptability, resilience, and determination. Entering a high-profile competition without weeks of preparation is a daunting challenge, yet Amber managed to transition smoothly into the rehearsal schedule and the live performance environment.
Partnering with Nikita Kuzmin
Upon joining Strictly, Amber was paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin. The chemistry between celebrity and professional is crucial in Strictly, as the pair must learn new dances quickly, develop synchronization, and convey emotion and story through performance. Nikita’s experience as a professional dancer complemented Amber’s background in stage performance, allowing them to create routines that were both technically competent and visually engaging.
Their partnership was immediately noticed by fans and judges for its strong energy and visual appeal. Despite Amber’s relative lack of formal ballroom experience, the pair demonstrated a rapid learning curve and remarkable adaptability. Nikita’s guidance helped Amber adjust her stage experience to the unique demands of competitive ballroom dancing, where precision, timing, and posture are paramount.
Early Performances and Challenges
Amber and Nikita made their live debut performing a Waltz, a classic ballroom dance known for its elegance and smooth gliding steps. Despite being new to the competition, their performance received positive reviews from the judges, praising Amber’s poise, musicality, and growing confidence on the dance floor.
The first few weeks of competition were challenging. Amber had to learn choreography for different dance styles quickly, manage live performance nerves, and adapt to the intense physical demands of multiple rehearsals per day. Each week brought a new dance style, from Latin routines like the Cha-Cha-Cha to more technical ballroom dances such as the Tango and Foxtrot.
Their early performances set the tone for the season, demonstrating Amber’s ability to rise to the occasion despite being a late addition. This period also began to shape public perception of Amber as a strong and capable contestant, though it also introduced debates among fans about whether her previous dance and theatre experience gave her an advantage.
Growth, Highlights, and Public Reception
Amber’s Growth on the Dance Floor
As the competition progressed, Amber Davies showcased remarkable improvement in both technical skill and performance quality. Initially, her movements were influenced by her stage experience, which sometimes prioritized theatricality over strict ballroom technique. However, with consistent training under Nikita Kuzmin’s guidance, Amber began mastering precise footwork, posture, and timing.
Her development was particularly evident in more challenging routines like the Paso Doble and Argentine Tango. These dances demand strong rhythm, sharp movements, and emotional intensity. Amber’s performances became more fluid and confident, earning praise from both the judges and the viewing audience. Her willingness to accept feedback and refine her technique was a defining factor in her rise through the competition.
Memorable Performances
Amber and Nikita delivered a series of standout performances that left a lasting impression on fans and judges alike:
Waltz Debut: Their first live performance displayed elegance and control, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.
Samba and Charleston: These upbeat routines allowed Amber to showcase her energy and charisma, blending technical skill with entertainment.
American Smooth: A dance that highlights storytelling and connection between partners, this routine demonstrated Amber’s growing ability to convey emotion through movement.
Argentine Tango: Often cited as one of their most dramatic and technically demanding dances, this performance solidified Amber’s reputation as a serious competitor.
Each of these performances highlighted not only Amber’s increasing proficiency but also the evolving chemistry between her and Nikita, which became a central point of audience engagement.
Audience Reactions and Controversies
Amber’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing was not without debate. Some viewers questioned whether her prior experience in theatre and reality television gave her an unfair advantage compared to other contestants with less performance background. Critics argued that her poise and stage presence could have masked initial technical shortcomings.
At the same time, many fans celebrated Amber for her determination, quick adaptation, and consistent improvement. Social media buzz often highlighted her charisma, wardrobe choices, and partnership with Nikita as key factors that made her performances compelling to watch.
In addition to public discussion, Amber faced moments of online criticism and scrutiny, including comments about her personality and approach to the competition. She responded with professionalism, emphasizing her hard work, focus, and commitment to the dance routines. This candidness helped humanize her in the eyes of viewers, turning some skepticism into admiration.
Surviving Dance-Offs
Despite strong performances, Amber and Nikita occasionally found themselves in dance-offs. These high-pressure moments tested their resilience and ability to perform under extreme scrutiny. On several occasions, the judges unanimously saved the pair, citing improvement, passion, and execution. These moments further reinforced the narrative of Amber as a contestant who could overcome challenges and persevere against the odds.
Broader Trends, Behind-the-Scenes, and Practical Insights
Broader Trends Reflected in Amber’s Journey
Amber Davies’s participation in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 highlights several important trends shaping the show and competitive dance reality TV:
Reality TV Stars Transitioning to Performance Shows
Amber’s journey illustrates the growing trend of reality TV personalities entering competitive performance shows. Her prior fame from Love Island brought a built-in audience and increased public interest in the season. This trend reflects the show’s strategy to blend celebrity recognition with talent development.
Increased Social Media Scrutiny
Modern Strictly seasons are heavily influenced by online commentary. Social media platforms allow fans to engage in real-time discussions, critique performances, and celebrate progress. Amber’s journey exemplifies how online perception can amplify both praise and criticism, influencing public discourse about contestants.
Emphasis on Storytelling and Emotion
Audiences today value not just technical skill but also storytelling, connection, and emotional resonance in dance. Amber’s routines, especially in American Smooth and Argentine Tango, demonstrated how narrative and performance chemistry can captivate viewers, even when technical mastery is still developing.
Diversity in Contestant Backgrounds
The 2025 season showcased contestants from a wide array of industries—actors, athletes, broadcasters, and reality stars. Amber’s inclusion underscores Strictly’s commitment to casting a diverse mix of participants, bringing different strengths, experiences, and fan bases to the dance floor.
Behind-the-Scenes: What It Takes to Compete
Competing on Strictly is physically and mentally demanding. Amber’s journey provides insight into the behind-the-scenes rigor:
Step 1: Selection and Preparation
Contestants are selected based on public appeal, personality, and availability. Amber’s last-minute casting demonstrates how flexibility and readiness are crucial for success in competitive environments.
Step 2: Professional Pairing
Celebrity dancers are paired with professionals to optimize growth and performance. Nikita Kuzmin’s coaching ensured Amber adapted her theatrical skills to the demands of ballroom and Latin dance.
Step 3: Daily Rehearsals
Contestants often rehearse for several hours each day. This involves memorizing choreography, refining technique, and building stamina for live performances. Amber’s schedule intensified due to her late start, requiring extraordinary focus and energy.
Step 4: Live Performance
Each week, contestants perform live for judges and an audience. Success depends on technical execution, musicality, and emotional connection. Amber’s early performances balanced stage presence with improving technical skill.
Step 5: Public Voting
Viewer votes, combined with judges’ scores, determine which couples progress. Amber’s fan base, bolstered by her reality TV following, played a critical role in supporting her throughout the season.
Step 6: Dance-Offs
Bottom-scoring couples perform again in the dance-off, where judges decide who stays. Amber and Nikita survived multiple dance-offs, showcasing resilience and consistency.
Step 7: Finale Preparation
Finalists prepare multiple routines for the grand finale, often incorporating complex choreography and show-stopping performances. Amber’s presence in the finale highlighted her rapid progression from a late entrant to a leading contender.
Practical Insights for Fans
For viewers and dance enthusiasts, Amber’s journey offers valuable lessons:
Appreciate Progress Over Perfection: Track improvement over time rather than focusing solely on flawless technique.
Focus on Chemistry: Partner connection and performance narrative can enhance viewer enjoyment.
Understand the Discipline: Competitive dance requires stamina, focus, and adaptability. Observing behind-the-scenes effort can deepen appreciation for contestants’ hard work.
Learn From Feedback: Judges’ critiques are educational tools, offering insights into both performance quality and presentation.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Dancers
For those inspired by Amber and interested in learning dance:
Build Physical Endurance: Competitive dancing demands cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility.
Explore Multiple Styles: Exposure to ballroom, Latin, and contemporary dance improves versatility and adaptability.
Prioritize Technique: Precise footwork, posture, and timing are critical for professional-level dance.
Embrace Constructive Criticism: Progress depends on the ability to learn from feedback and adapt quickly.
Practice Consistently: Daily or frequent rehearsals are essential to develop muscle memory and confidence.
Later Performances, Grand Finale, and Fan Insights
Later Performances and Rising Momentum
As the season progressed, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin reached the point where every performance mattered. The pair became known for blending technical precision with expressive storytelling, a combination that resonated strongly with both the judges and viewers.
In the later weeks, Amber tackled some of the most challenging routines of the season:
Salsa: Fast-paced and rhythmically demanding, this dance highlighted Amber’s agility and ability to maintain energy throughout intricate sequences.
Paso Doble: This dramatic ballroom style emphasized strong posture, sharp movements, and theatrical flair, giving Amber the opportunity to leverage her stage experience.
Argentine Tango: Often cited as a signature routine for the pair, this dance demonstrated emotional depth and partnership connection, earning high praise from judges.
These performances demonstrated her ability to absorb feedback quickly and adapt under pressure, traits that were particularly remarkable given her late start in the competition.
The Grand Finale
Amber and Nikita’s journey culminated in the grand finale, where finalists were required to perform multiple routines. Each dance showcased different skills, from technical precision to show-stopping entertainment value. The finale tested their stamina, performance artistry, and ability to connect with the audience emotionally.
Their presence in the final reinforced Amber’s rapid rise from a last-minute replacement to one of the season’s standout performers. While the Glitterball Trophy ultimately went to another contestant, Amber’s performances left a lasting impression on fans and critics alike, highlighting her commitment, resilience, and growth throughout the season.
Public Reactions and Legacy
Amber’s journey sparked widespread discussion among Strictly Come Dancing audiences. Some fans criticized her perceived advantage due to previous theatre experience, while others celebrated her determination, charisma, and partnership with Nikita.
Online conversations frequently praised:
Her Rapid Improvement: Fans noted the stark difference between her debut performance and later routines.
Chemistry With Nikita: Their partnership was often described as natural and captivating.
Performance Versatility: Amber successfully performed both technical ballroom routines and high-energy Latin dances.
Despite the scrutiny, Amber emerged as a symbol of adaptability and resilience, proving that even last-minute entrants can excel through focus and determination.
FAQs
Who is Amber Davies in Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
Amber Davies is a Welsh actress and former Love Island winner who joined Strictly Come Dancing 2025 as a late replacement for Dani Dyer, partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
Why was Amber Davies’ participation controversial?
Some viewers questioned whether her prior theatre and dance experience gave her an advantage, though she emphasized that competitive ballroom dancing is different from stage choreography.
How did Amber and Nikita perform throughout the season?
The pair delivered strong and varied performances, surviving multiple dance-offs and making it to the grand finale. Their routines included Waltz, Samba, Charleston, American Smooth, Paso Doble, Salsa, and Argentine Tango.
What made Amber stand out on the show?
Amber’s rapid improvement, emotional storytelling, stage presence, and chemistry with her professional partner set her apart from other contestants.
Will Amber Davies return to Strictly or other dance shows?
As of the end of 2025, there’s no official confirmation regarding her return, though many contestants often participate in tours, special editions, or other dance-related projects.
Final Thoughts
Amber Strictly Come Dancing tells the story of determination, resilience, and transformation on one of Britain’s most celebrated television stages. Amber Davies’s journey—from stepping in as a last-minute replacement to reaching the grand finale—demonstrates that success in competitive performance relies on more than just prior fame or experience. It requires focus, dedication, adaptability, and the ability to connect with both a partner and an audience.
Her story also highlights the evolving nature of Strictly Come Dancing, where storytelling, emotional expression, and audience engagement are valued alongside technical skill. Amber’s performances captivated viewers, inspired aspiring dancers, and sparked discussions about talent, opportunity, and fairness in reality competition.
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