The glittering ballroom of Strictly Come Dancing has always been a stage for triumph and tears, but in 2025, finalist Amber Davies has found herself at the center of an intense whirlwind of rumors, backlash, and raw emotions. The former Love Island winner and West End star, who stepped in last-minute as a replacement for the injured Dani Dyer, has dazzled judges with multiple perfect scores and reached the grand final alongside Nikita Kuzmin. Yet, her journey has been overshadowed by heated controversies that have sparked fierce debates among fans.

Amber’s path to the final hasn’t been smooth. She survived multiple dance-offs, including tense showdowns that eliminated popular contestants like Lewis Cope and Balvinder Sopal. These saves by the judges drew massive online outrage, with some viewers accusing Amber of benefiting from her prior dance training in musical theatre productions like The Great Gatsby and Pretty Woman. Critics argued it gave her an unfair edge, leading to waves of harsh comments questioning her place in the competition. Amber has repeatedly addressed the criticism, emphasizing that her theatre background involves a completely different style from ballroom and Latin dancing.

One particularly fiery row erupted during Musicals Week when eagle-eyed fans spotted similarities between Amber’s Charleston routine and moves from her West End performance in The Great Gatsby. The routine earned a perfect 40, but accusations of “copying” flooded social media. The BBC quickly clarified that it was entirely new choreography, with brief nods to the musical as intentional tributes for the themed week – an “Easter egg” Amber herself requested to celebrate her past work.

Behind the sequins, the emotional toll has been evident. Amber has openly shared heartfelt moments, breaking down in tears during interviews as she reflected on her whirlwind entry into the show and the impending end of the experience. Paired with pro dancer Nikita Kuzmin, she’s described the competition as a “dream come true” that gave her a new lease on life, but the relentless scrutiny has tested her resilience. Nikita has publicly urged kindness from viewers, highlighting how Amber has faced “so much hate” while maintaining a positive spirit. In emotional backstage glimpses, Amber has admitted feeling heartbroken at the thought of it all ending, especially after starting with just 24 hours’ notice.

Despite the storms, support has poured in. Fellow contestants, former teachers, and fans have rallied around her, praising her talent and grace under pressure. Amber’s Couple’s Choice dance in the semi-final, dedicated to ambitious young women chasing dreams, struck a powerful chord and earned another flawless score. As the final approaches on December 20, with competitors including footballer Karen Carney and social media star George Clarke, Amber remains a standout for her technical brilliance and emotional depth.

This season’s controversies highlight the passionate – sometimes toxic – side of Strictly fandom, where high expectations clash with the reality of celebrity backgrounds. Amber’s story is one of perseverance: turning backlash into motivation and channeling raw emotions into captivating performances. Whether she lifts the Glitterball or not, she’s proven that amid the drama, true stars shine brightest through adversity.