From Love Island to Strictly: Amber Davies’ Whirlwind Dance Journey
In a surprising turn of events, former Love Island UK winner Amber Davies found herself thrust into the spotlight of BBC’s Strictly Coming Dancing with barely 24 hours to prepare for the live premiere. The 28-year-old performer’s life changed dramatically with a single late-night phone call, transforming what was supposed to be a weekend celebrating her niece’s first birthday into a mad dash to the dance floor.
“Guys, this day could go one or two ways,” Davies shared candidly in a TikTok video posted just before receiving the life-changing call. “I might get a call to say, ‘You’re going to be on Strictly Coming Dancing on Saturday,’ or I might be going to Swansea to spend the weekend with my niece for her first birthday, so a win is a win.” Just eight hours after posting her initial video, the reality star turned West End performer confirmed the unexpected news: “Well, I’m doing it. Please be kind, and vote for me if you can. I’m doing this for Dani Dyer.” Her heartfelt dedication spoke volumes about the circumstances that led to her last-minute casting.
The sudden opening on the show came after fellow Love Island UK alum Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a serious injury. Dyer, who was originally paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, suffered what she initially thought was a simple rolled ankle during rehearsals. “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny,” Dyer explained in an emotional Instagram statement. “After an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out, I have fractured my ankle.” The doctor’s verdict was clear—dancing the quickstep on a fracture was out of the question, leaving the 29-year-old season 4 Love Island winner heartbroken and the show in need of a quick replacement.
The transition happened at breakneck speed, with Davies beginning rehearsals with Kuzmin on Friday, September 26, just one day before the live premiere. The newly formed pair prepared a waltz to Adele’s poignant “When We Were Young” for Saturday’s broadcast—an impressive feat considering the typical weeks of preparation contestants usually have. Despite her own disappointment, Dyer showed remarkable sportsmanship by cheering on Davies and the rest of the cast from home. “Good luck to all the gorgeous cast starting there [sic] Strictly journey tonight,” Dyer wrote supportively via Instagram Stories. “Can’t wait to watch you all, so proud & know how hard you’ve all been working. See you all soon.”
While the last-minute substitution might have overwhelmed many, Davies brings considerable performance experience to the dance floor. Since winning Love Island UK’s third season alongside ex-boyfriend Kem Cetinay, she has built an impressive career in London’s West End, appearing in acclaimed productions including “9 to 5,” “Back to the Future,” “Pretty Woman,” and “The Great Gatsby.” Her stage credentials make her a formidable competitor despite the compressed preparation time, and she recently landed the coveted role of Elle Woods in the upcoming touring production of “Legally Blonde the Musical”—a testament to her performing talents beyond reality television.
BBC executives expressed sincere regret over Dyer’s departure while welcoming Davies to the cast. “Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start,” said Sarah James, the show’s executive producer, in a statement. “Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery. We very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.” As Davies steps into the spotlight with barely a moment to catch her breath, viewers and fellow contestants alike are eager to see how this unexpected journey unfolds—proving once again that in both television and dance, timing is everything.
