Strictly Come Dancing star Amber Davies has broken her silence on the 'tough' backstage atmosphere following the Giovanni Pernice controversy that's rocked the BBC dance competition.
The former Love Island winner, who competed in last year's series alongside professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, revealed the intense pressure contestants face behind the glittering facade of the Saturday night spectacle.
The Reality Behind the Sequins
"It's tough. It's really tough," Davies confessed when discussing the Strictly environment. "It's not just a case of turning up on a Saturday and dancing. It's Monday to Sunday, you're in that studio, you're living and breathing it."
The West End performer's comments come amid growing scrutiny of the show's working conditions, particularly following Amanda Abbington's allegations against her former partner Giovanni Pernice.
Supporting Fellow Contestants
Davies showed solidarity with her fellow Strictly alumni, stating: "My heart goes out to anyone who's had a tough time in that competition." She emphasised the emotional and physical toll the competition takes on participants, describing it as "the most intense thing I've ever done."
The theatre star, who recently dazzled audiences in Pretty Woman: The Musical, acknowledged that while her own experience was largely positive, the high-pressure environment isn't for everyone.
A Different Strictly Journey
Despite the challenges, Davies reflected fondly on her time with partner Nikita Kuzmin, calling their partnership "the most incredible experience." She praised the Ukrainian dancer for creating a supportive environment that allowed her to thrive.
"I was very lucky with Nikita," she shared. "We had the best time and he looked after me so well."
The 27-year-old's candid comments provide a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the beloved BBC programme as it faces one of its most challenging periods in recent memory.
