Strictly’s Nikita Divides Viewers as He Issues ‘Be Kind’ Message Over Amber

Strictly Come Dancing has once again become a hot topic of conversation, but this time it’s not just about the dazzling performances or the fierce competition. Professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin has stirred up mixed reactions among viewers after passionately urging the audience to show kindness towards his dance partner, Amber Davies. The plea came amid growing criticism of Amber’s past professional dance experience, which some fans believe gives her an unfair advantage on the show.

Nikita Kuzmin’s Emotional Appeal: “Be Kind” to Amber Davies

During a recent live show, Nikita Kuzmin and Amber Davies delivered a stunning Couple’s Choice routine to RAYE’s version of “Fly Me to the Moon,” earning a perfect 40 points from the judges. This impressive score placed them second on the leaderboard, following their earlier Tango performance that had already secured 27 points. Despite their success on the dance floor, Amber has faced significant backlash from viewers who question her eligibility due to her prior experience as a professional dancer and West End performer.

Following their performance, Nikita took a moment to speak directly to the audience through host Claudia Winkleman. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for Amber’s resilience and kindness, emphasizing how she has endured relentless negativity since joining the competition. Nikita said, “You have had so much hate every single day from the moment you joined. Yet, you came every day into the training room with a big smile, ignoring everybody, giving me love and support.” He continued, “I speak to the audience at home—please be kind because it costs nothing. Amber doesn’t deserve any of the hate; she only deserves love. Without her, I wouldn’t be here, and the show wouldn’t be as good as it is.”

This emotional appeal resonated with some viewers, who admired Nikita’s defense of Amber and the reminder to treat others with compassion. However, it also sparked a wave of criticism and debate across social media platforms.

Viewer Reactions: Divided Opinions on Amber’s Place in Strictly

The response to Nikita’s message and Amber’s continued presence on Strictly has been polarizing. Many viewers took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, arguing that Amber’s professional background contradicts the spirit of the competition, which traditionally features celebrities with little or no dance experience.

One viewer commented, “It’s crazy that Amber ended up being the villain of this series instead of Tom Skinner. She’s the falsest contestant in years—acts like she’s been so hard done by when she’s a trained theatre star.” Another wrote, “Amber does not deserve to be in the final. Strictly began as a competition for celebs with no professional dance experience, and Amber goes against that ethos.”

Others pointed out the perceived inconsistency in how Amber’s experience is portrayed on the show. “I have no issue with dance experience,” one viewer explained, “but I take issue with them pretending like she doesn’t have it. Last week, Shirley told Amber she was ready for the West End now—that’s literally her current job.”

Some fans accused Amber of projecting a “poor me” image while giving off “mean girl vibes,” leading to further distrust. Another viewer added, “Even Ashley Roberts wasn’t as hated as Amber Davies for being a trained dancer. Why? Because Amber is ridiculously false, lies about her theatre work, and the judges desperately overpraise her to guarantee she’s in the final.”

Despite the backlash, Amber has also received significant support from fans who appreciate her dedication and positivity throughout the competition.

Amber Davies Opens Up About the Backlash and Her Journey

In an emotional appearance on Strictly’s spin-off show, It Takes Two, Amber Davies addressed the criticism head-on. She revealed that the negative comments have been challenging but emphasized that she is doing her best under unique circumstances. Amber joined the competition as a last-minute replacement for Dani Dyer, who had to withdraw due to injury shortly before the first live show.

Amber shared, “I would like to think I have thick skin, but the start of the week has been tougher than usual. I want to remind everyone that I was never supposed to be here—I was a quick replacement, and I’m just doing my best.” She also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received, saying, “The love is actually more overpowering than the hate, so if you’ve sent a message or a kind comment our way, we really do appreciate it so much.”

Following a tense dance-off where Nikita and Amber secured their place in the semi-final, Amber took to Instagram to share her heartfelt feelings. She wrote, “I will always be your number one fan, Lewis Cope. To go up against one of the greatest dancers Strictly has ever seen was simply terrifying. However, I was actually dancing against my best friend in this competition, and that broke my heart.”

The Importance of Kindness in Competitive Reality TV

Nikita Kuzmin’s call for kindness highlights a broader issue within competitive reality TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing. The intense pressure, public scrutiny, and social media commentary can take a significant toll on contestants’ mental health. While competition and critique are part of the format, the line between constructive feedback and harmful negativity is often blurred.

Amber’s experience serves as a reminder that behind every performance is a person deserving of respect and empathy. Nikita’s message encourages viewers to consider the human side of the competition and to support contestants regardless of their background or perceived advantages.

As the Strictly Come Dancing season progresses, the conversation around fairness, experience, and kindness continues to evolve. What remains clear is that kindness costs nothing but can make a world of difference to those in the spotlight.

Conclusion

Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin has sparked an important conversation about kindness and fairness in the world of competitive dance by standing up for Amber Davies amid divided viewer opinions. While Amber’s professional dance background has fueled debate, Nikita’s heartfelt plea reminds us all to approach reality TV contestants with empathy and respect. As the competition heats up, let’s remember to celebrate the hard work and passion each dancer brings to the floor. If you enjoyed this insight into Strictly Come Dancing, be sure to follow for more updates and join the conversation about your favorite contestants!