Amber Davies: ‘Strictly’s Welfare Team Still Call to Check I’m OK’

Amber Davies Reflects on Strictly Come Dancing and Ongoing Support

Amber Davies, the talented musical theatre actress and former Love Island star, recently shared her heartfelt experience of participating in the hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing. Despite the intense scrutiny and online criticism she faced during the competition, Amber emphasizes the crucial role the Strictly welfare team played in safeguarding her wellbeing. Even after the show ended, the team has maintained regular contact, checking in to ensure she is coping well with the pressures of public life.

Amber’s journey on Strictly was far from easy. Called in at the last minute to replace Dani Dyer, who suffered a fractured ankle, Amber stepped into the spotlight with limited preparation. This sudden challenge, combined with accusations that her prior dance training gave her an unfair advantage, made the experience physically and mentally demanding. Yet, Amber remained resilient, adopting a strict strategy to protect her mental health by avoiding negative media and social media commentary. This approach allowed her to focus fully on the joy of dancing and the thrill of the competition.

Facing Criticism and Staying Grounded

Amber’s experience on Strictly was marked by a wave of criticism, much of which centered on the perception that her previous dance background gave her an edge over other contestants. This is a common narrative on the show, but Amber felt the backlash was particularly intense in her case. She acknowledges that the criticism might have been influenced by her being a young woman in the public eye, but she also suspects she was simply an easy target for negativity.

To shield herself from the harmful effects of online trolling, Amber chose not to read any articles or social media posts about her performance. She also asked friends and family to avoid sharing negative feedback with her. This protective bubble helped her maintain a positive outlook and enjoy the experience as she had always dreamed. Amber describes Strictly as “the best experience of my life,” underscoring that the challenges did not diminish her love for the show.

Ongoing Care from Strictly’s Welfare Team

One of the standout aspects of Amber’s Strictly experience was the support provided by the show’s welfare team. Unlike many reality TV shows where contestants are left to navigate fame and criticism alone, Strictly takes a proactive approach to mental health. Amber reveals that the welfare team continued to check in with her even after the series ended, with one member texting her as recently as yesterday.

She praises the team for making her feel protected, listened to, and cared for throughout the process. This ongoing support has been invaluable in helping Amber manage the pressures that come with public scrutiny and maintain her mental wellbeing. Her positive remarks highlight the importance of welfare measures in high-profile entertainment productions.

From Reality TV Star to Leading Lady in Musical Theatre

Following her time on Strictly, Amber Davies has returned to her first love: musical theatre. She is currently starring as Elle Woods in the touring production of Legally Blonde The Musical, a role she describes as “the biggest” of her career so far. Amber draws parallels between herself and Elle, noting their shared determination to pursue their goals with passion and resilience.

Growing up in Denbigh, North Wales, Amber was inspired by her older sister’s involvement in amateur dramatics. Despite coming from a working-class family with no background in the arts, Amber’s parents supported her ambitions. She began taking monthly classes in London at age 13 and later moved there full-time at 16 after earning a scholarship to study musical theatre.

Amber’s dedication to her craft is evident in her rigorous training and early career choices. After graduating from drama school at 19, she faced the realities of the acting world, including a six-month stint performing on a Caribbean cruise ship. Her breakthrough came when she was cast on Love Island in 2017, which she won, but she has always remained focused on building a sustainable career in theatre.

Balancing Fame and Artistic Integrity

Amber’s transition from reality TV star to respected musical theatre actress has not been without challenges. She has had to prove her talent beyond her television persona, often confronting skepticism from critics and audiences alike. Nevertheless, glowing reviews for her stage performances have affirmed her abilities and dedication.

Despite her success, Amber remains grounded and appreciative of the platform that Love Island provided. She acknowledges that her social media following offers valuable reach but insists that her passion and hard work are what truly drive her career. Amber continues to face criticism, particularly from some musical theatre fans, but she is determined to focus on what matters most: performing and connecting with audiences.

Conclusion

Amber Davies’s journey from reality TV contestant to leading musical theatre actress is a testament to her resilience, talent, and the importance of mental health support in the entertainment industry. Her candid reflections on the challenges of Strictly Come Dancing and the ongoing care she receives from the show’s welfare team shed light on the pressures faced by performers in the public eye. As Amber continues to shine on stage as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical, she inspires others to pursue their dreams with courage and self-care.

If you enjoyed learning about Amber Davies’s inspiring story and want to stay updated on her latest projects, be sure to follow her journey and support her upcoming performances. Don’t miss the chance to see Amber bring Elle Woods to life on tour—check out the Legally Blonde The Musical schedule today!