Strictly Come Dancing finalist Amber Davies has publicly addressed the significant criticism she has faced from some viewers during the 2025 series, stating they "don't want to warm to" her. The former reality star, who will compete in the grand final this Saturday, 20 December, believes her confidence and ambition are being misinterpreted as arrogance.
"Being ambitious as a woman does not mean you are stuck up"
In a candid interview with The Mirror ahead of the finale, Davies expressed her frustration at the persistent negative comments she has received, largely centred on her previous professional experience in West End musicals. She revealed that the volume of criticism made her question her role on the show.
"I didn't know what my purpose was on Strictly until I realised that I was getting a lot of negative comments for being good," Davies said. She made a pointed statement about modern perceptions of women, adding: "I can't believe I have to say this in 2025 but being ambitious as a woman, being confident, having dreams and working hard does not mean you are stuck up. It doesn't mean you are arrogant."
Davies is determined to challenge this narrative, insisting that her drive should not be viewed negatively. She directly responded to a common viewer refrain, stating: "I've had lots of people say, 'I can't warm to her.' It's because they don't want to warm to me. That's it."
A familiar Strictly storyline
The performer, known for starring roles in Pretty Woman: The Musical, 9 to 5: The Musical, and The Great Gatsby, acknowledged that her situation is not unique in the history of the BBC competition. She pointed out that contestants with prior dance training often face similar scrutiny.
"We've seen it every single season," Davies noted, citing former contestants Layton Williams, Ashley Roberts, and Danny Mac as examples. "So it didn't come as a surprise. But it's definitely only really amped up in the past couple of weeks."
While she accepts she has more stage experience than her fellow finalists, Davies stressed that the discipline of musical theatre is the "polar opposite" to the Ballroom and Latin styles required on Strictly. She emphasised the immense effort she has put in throughout the competition.
Fighting for a place in the final
"I feel like I've worked just as hard as the other finalists," Davies asserted. Her journey to the final was secured last weekend after a tense dance-off against actor Balvinder Sopal and her professional partner Julian Caillon.
Davies will now perform with her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin in the live final, competing against former Lioness Karen Carney and YouTuber George Clarke. She framed her participation as a dream opportunity no fan would refuse, concluding: "I was given this opportunity. Nobody was going to decline Strictly as a Strictly fan. We are here for entertainment."
The emotional toll of the criticism was visible recently when Davies broke down in tears, requiring comfort from Kuzmin, highlighting the intense pressure facing the finalists as the competition reaches its climax.
