West End sensation and former Love Island winner Amber Davies has issued a powerful response to critics questioning her dance experience ahead of her highly anticipated Strictly Come Dancing debut.
The 27-year-old performer, known for her starring role in Pretty Woman: The Musical, finds herself at the centre of controversy as some viewers claim her theatrical background gives her an unfair advantage in the BBC's flagship dance competition.
'My Journey Is My Own'
In an exclusive interview, Davies passionately defended her performing arts background. "Yes, I've had dance training - but it's primarily in jazz and commercial styles," she explained. "Ballroom and Latin are completely new territories for me, and I'm starting from scratch just like everyone else."
The Welsh star emphasised that her West End experience doesn't automatically translate to Strictly success. "People see 'musical theatre' and assume I'm a trained ballroom dancer, but that couldn't be further from the truth," Davies revealed.
From Reality TV to West End Stardom
Davies first captured the nation's heart when she won Love Island in 2017 alongside then-partner Kem Cetinay. However, unlike many reality stars who fade from the spotlight, Davies returned to her first love - performing.
Her impressive theatre credits include:
- Leading role in Pretty Woman: The Musical in London's West End
- Intensive training at the prestigious Performers College
- Years of dedication to musical theatre since childhood
"I've worked incredibly hard to establish myself in the theatre world," Davies stated. "My journey hasn't been overnight, and Strictly represents another challenging chapter in my career."
The Strictly Challenge Ahead
As she prepares to join the Strictly class of 2024, Davies acknowledges the massive learning curve ahead. "Ballroom posture, footwork, the partnership dynamics - it's all completely new," she shared enthusiastically.
The production team behind Strictly Come Dancing has consistently maintained that contestants come from diverse backgrounds, and varying levels of dance experience add to the show's appeal and authenticity.
Davies concluded with a message to her supporters and critics alike: "I'm approaching this with the same dedication I bring to every performance. Judge me on my Strictly journey, not my past experiences."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this autumn, with Davies among the celebrities hoping to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
