The glittering world of *Strictly Come Dancing* isn't always as dazzling as it appears. Amber Davies, a performer who unexpectedly found herself in the competition, recently faced a wave of criticism following a tense dance-off, prompting a heartfelt and surprisingly vulnerable response.
The quarter-final elimination, a face-off against her close friend Lewis Cope, left Davies deeply shaken. She took to social media, confessing the experience “broke her heart,” sharing images from the show and praising Cope and his partner Katya Jones as “the greatest of all time.” The emotional tribute revealed a depth of feeling rarely seen amidst the sequins and scores.
But the heartache didn’t end there. Davies also addressed a growing chorus of negativity, accusations that her previous professional dancing experience somehow tainted the competition. She passionately defended her participation, reminding viewers that this was, at its core, a television show, and that she was simply seizing an unexpected opportunity.
“You have no idea what we put our mind and body through for this experience,” she wrote, a plea for understanding that resonated with many. It wasn’t about inherent advantage, she argued, but about relentless dedication and pushing personal boundaries.
The response was swift and overwhelmingly supportive. Fans flooded her comments section, fiercely defending her right to be on the show and praising her talent. One user eloquently stated, “You shouldn’t have to explain yourself… You got the call & are embracing this experience.”
The debate highlighted a recurring theme on *Strictly*: the line between amateur and professional experience. Many argued that the show is designed for celebrities to *learn* to dance, and prior experience shouldn’t disqualify anyone. The frustration with constant “trained dancer” accusations was palpable.
Davies’ journey to *Strictly* is itself a compelling story. Before captivating audiences with her ballroom skills, she rose to fame on *Love Island* in 2017. This was followed by a string of impressive stage roles, including productions of *9 to 5*, *Bring It On*, *Back to the Future*, and *Pretty Woman*.
Currently starring in *The Great Gatsby* in London’s West End, and with a future role as Elle Woods in *Legally Blonde* already secured, Davies is a seasoned performer. Her appearance on *Dancing on Ice* further demonstrates her willingness to embrace challenging new experiences.
As *Strictly* hurtles towards its December 20th finale, the pressure on the remaining couples is immense. The quarter-final saw a surprising tie in scores, with several contestants vying for a place in the coveted final. But beyond the competition, Amber Davies’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of pursuing a dream under the bright lights of public scrutiny.
The outpouring of support for Davies underscores a crucial point: behind the glamour and the perfect scores, *Strictly Come Dancing* is a demanding and emotionally charged experience. It’s a journey of vulnerability, dedication, and the courage to face both triumph and heartbreak.
