Strictly Come Dancing finalist Amber Davies has spoken out against viewers who have criticised her presence in the 2025 series, arguing that her confidence and ambition are being unfairly labelled as arrogance.
'They don't want to warm to me'
Ahead of the grand final on Saturday 20 December, the former reality star told The Mirror she believes some audience members are resistant to supporting her. "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," Davies stated.
Her participation in the BBC competition sparked debate due to her professional background in West End musicals, including roles in Pretty Woman and 9 to 5: The Musical. Davies acknowledged the criticism has intensified in recent weeks as the competition reached its climax.
Confidence vs. Arrogance
Davies expressed frustration that her drive and self-assurance are being misinterpreted. "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," she said.
She emphasised that her experience in musical theatre is vastly different from the ballroom and Latin dances required on Strictly, describing the two disciplines as the "polar opposite". Despite her prior training, Davies insisted she has worked equally as hard as her fellow finalists to secure her place. "I had to fight to get into the final," she remarked.
A Familiar Strictly Narrative
The star pointed out that her situation is not unique within the show's history. She referenced previous contestants like Layton Williams, Ashley Roberts, and Danny Mac, who also faced scrutiny over their prior dance experience. "I feel like this isn't a new story. We've seen it every single season," Davies observed.
Davies and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin secured their spot in the final after winning a tense dance-off last weekend against actor Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon.
They will compete for the Glitterball Trophy against fellow finalists former Lioness Karen Carney and YouTuber George Clarke.
