Former Love Island champion Amber Davies has pulled back the curtain on the gruelling reality of competing in Strictly Come Dancing, revealing the show is far from the glittering fantasy viewers see on screen.
The West End star, who partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin in the 2023 series, described the experience as "the hardest thing I've ever done" both physically and mentally.
The Brutal Truth Behind the Sequins
Davies confessed to breaking down in tears multiple times a day during training, citing the immense pressure to perfect routines while cameras rolled constantly.
"You're crying at least three times a day," she revealed during an appearance on the Sort Your Life Out podcast. "You're just so tired and you're so emotional."
Wardrobe Woes and Costume Catastrophes
The dancer shared embarrassing behind-the-scenes moments, including frequent wardrobe malfunctions that required quick fixes from the costume department.
"The amount of times I'd come off stage and my dress would be safety-pinned to my bra," Davies admitted, highlighting the less glamorous side of the show's famous costumes.
Emotional Toll and Public Scrutiny
Despite her background in musical theatre, Davies found the Strictly experience uniquely challenging due to the constant public judgment and pressure to perform live each week.
The reality star turned West End performer emphasized that the show demands complete dedication, leaving contestants with little time for anything else in their lives during the competition period.
Davies' candid revelations provide a rare glimpse into the high-pressure world of one of Britain's most beloved entertainment shows, proving that behind every glittering performance lies hours of sweat, tears and safety pins.
