Strictly Come Dancing presenter Fleur East was overcome with emotion during Friday's episode of It Takes Two, breaking down in tears as finalist Amber Davies spoke candidly about her transformative journey on the hit BBC show.
An Emotional Exchange on the Sofa
The 38-year-old host welcomed West End performer Amber Davies, 29, and her professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin onto the spin-off programme just days before the grand final. Davies, a former Love Island winner, is set to compete against YouTuber George Clarke and footballer Karen Carney for the coveted Glitterball Trophy this weekend.
During the interview, Amber was played a series of video messages from loved ones offering their support. Visibly struggling to contain her feelings, the actress addressed the camera directly: "Thank you so much, honestly, for giving me that gift. I think I have learned so much about myself, and I've learned how to be in control of my body and my mind. It has brought so much happiness into my life, my family's life, and my partner's life!"
"We're All Losing It": Tears Flow in the Studio
By this point, both Amber and Nikita had begun to cry. Former X Factor star Fleur East reached for the tissues herself, admitting to the audience, "We're all losing it." Amber then turned to her professional partner, Nikita Kuzmin, and shared a poignant tribute.
"I've met you, and your incredible family and your girlfriend," she said. "Honestly, I will never have a moment in my life like this again so, tomorrow, I just want to enjoy every single second of it."
Davies was a last-minute replacement for fellow Love Island winner Dani Dyer, who sustained an injury just before the competition began. She admitted that while winning would be "lovely," her primary feeling was one of honour at having been part of the experience at all.
"It would be lovely to lift the Glitterball Trophy, but it is so much more to be than that," she explained. "I never thought I'd do Strictly in my lifetime and this has been a joy. I feel so honoured to have been able to take part in this experience."
A Star Forged in Theatre, Tested on the Dance Floor
Since winning Love Island in 2017, Amber Davies, a graduate of London's prestigious Urdang Academy, has built a successful theatre career. She has starred in productions like 9 to 5: The Musical and The Great Gatsby, and is slated to play the lead role of Elle Woods in a UK tour of Legally Blonde next year.
Despite her stage training, Davies has consistently stated that nothing prepared her for the rigours of Strictly. She has also faced a barrage of negative comments on social media, which she has described as crossing the line into bullying.
Following the semi-final results, Amber took to Instagram to share her gratitude. In a video message, she told followers: "In the close to a decade I've been in the public eye, I've never experienced an outpouring of love the way I have in the last 48 hours... I think I've needed to do Strictly to realise that there is so much kindness in this world."
She also praised her fellow finalists, stating she was "rooting for George" and "rooting for Kaz," and vowed to simply "enjoy the ride" in her final week on the show.
