Strictly Fans Cry ‘Not Fair!’ as West End Performer and Trained Dancer Amber Davies Replaces Dani Dyer

Amber Davies Joins Strictly Come Dancing Amid Fan Backlash Over Dance Experience

[Image: Amber Davies in a glamorous pose, caption: "Amber Davies replaces injured Dani Dyer on Strictly Come Dancing."]

Love Island star Amber Davies, 28, has stepped into the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup, replacing Dani Dyer after the latter fractured her ankle during rehearsals. Amber, a trained West End performer, will debut this weekend with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin, performing a Waltz.

Dance Background Sparks Criticism
Amber’s extensive dance credentials have stirred controversy among fans. She holds a Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre, trained at Danceworld Stage School, and previously worked as a dancer at London’s Cirque Le Soir. In 2024, she placed fifth on Dancing On Ice. Critics argue her experience undermines the show’s premise of teaching novices.

[Image: Amber performing on Dancing On Ice, caption: "Amber’s ice-skating skills earned her fifth place in 2024."]

Fans took to social media, calling her casting “unfair” and noting, “Strictly is about learning journeys, not professionals.” Others defended her, highlighting her versatility across dance styles.

Experienced Lineup Dominates
Amber isn’t alone in having prior dance training:

• Lewis Cope (Emmerdale): A West End Billy Elliott alum and finalist on Sky’s Got To Dance with troupe Ruff Diamond.
• Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Gladiators’ Nitro): Competed in the 2024 Strictly Christmas special.
• Balvinder Sopal (EastEnders): Admitted to “dabbling” in Latin and ballroom.
• La Voix (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK): Trained at Urdang Academy, like Amber.

[Image: Group collage of Lewis, Harry, Balvinder, and La Voix, caption: "This year’s Strictly stars bring diverse dance backgrounds."]

Even Dani Dyer, who trained in jazz and ballet as a child, once listed “qualified dancer” on her CV. Her exit due to injury left the door open for a 2026 return, per BBC producers.

Odds and Reactions
Lewis Cope leads as the 2/1 favorite, followed by George Clarke, Amber, and Vicky Pattison (5/1). Outsiders include Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (33/1) and Ross King (66/1).

[Image: Lewis Cope in rehearsal, caption: "Lewis Cope is the current favorite to win Strictly 2025."]

Amber called the opportunity a “dream,” adding, “I’m sending Dani well wishes. I hope I do her proud.” Meanwhile, Dani shared her heartbreak: “To say I’m devastated is an understatement.”

The season kicks off Saturday, with Amber and Nikita aiming to impress judges and fans alike—despite the pre-show drama.

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