Amber Davies Heads into a Pivotal ‘Strictly’ final Amidst Controversy and Fan Support
Tonight marks a critically important moment for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ as Tess Daly and claudia Winkleman prepare to host their last live show before stepping down. All eyes are now on the finalists, including Amber Davies, who’s navigated a challenging path to the competition’s culmination.
Davies has consistently delivered memorable performances throughout the season. Her routines, like the Ariana Grande-inspired Cha Cha during Icons Week and a stunning Charleston in the quarter-finals, showcased her undeniable talent and dedication.
Though, her journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Throughout the series, davies faced criticism from some viewers who questioned her experience, citing her background in West End musical theater. This sparked a debate about the definition of “dance training” and whether it gave her an unfair advantage.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points surrounding the controversy:
* Prior Training: Davies’ extensive experience in musical theatre, including leading roles, led some to believe she had an edge over competitors with less formal dance background.
* Ballroom vs.Theatre: She consistently emphasized that her previous training focused on diffrent styles – specifically, the “polar opposite” of ballroom and Latin dance.
* Negative Reactions: Following her quarter-final dance-off win against Lewis Cope, Davies received a wave of harsh online comments.
* Partner’s Defense: Her professional partner, Nikita Kuzmin, publicly appealed to fans to cease the vitriolic attacks, highlighting the emotional toll it was taking.
Davies has been vocal about the unfairness of the criticism, asserting she’s worked just as hard as her fellow finalists. She explained on It Takes Two that she had to earn her place in the final and that the show is, ultimately, about entertainment.
“I was given this opportunity, and nobody was going to decline Strictly as a Strictly fan,” she stated, demonstrating her genuine enthusiasm for the competition.
You might remember Davies first rose to fame as the winner of the 2017 season of Love Island alongside Kem Cetinay. Now, she’s hoping to add another trophy to her collection.
Ultimately, Davies’ story is one of perseverance and navigating public perception. Whether you’re a long-time ‘Strictly’ fan or a newcomer, tonight’s final promises to be a captivating spectacle.
Want to stay up-to-date? Follow our live coverage of the final as the competition unfolds.
