West End performer Amber Davies has publicly addressed the wave of criticism she faced during her time on Strictly Come Dancing, revealing that the majority of negative remarks came from an older demographic of viewers.
The Backlash Over Stage Experience
The actor and singer, known for her roles in hit musicals, found herself under fire from some sections of the Strictly Come Dancing audience who claimed her background in musical theatre gave her an unfair advantage. The scrutiny intensified as she progressed through the competition, culminating in significant backlash following a tense quarter-final dance-off.
Davies pointed out that this pattern of criticism is not new, noting that previous contestants with similar stage experience have faced comparable accusations. She stressed that while she has a foundation in dance, the disciplines required for the BBC show are vastly different from her professional work.
A Partner's Public Defence
The situation prompted her professional dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin, to step in and defend her. Following the quarter-final, Kuzmin made a public appeal for kindness, urging viewers to consider the hard work and pressure faced by the celebrities. His intervention was widely praised by fans of the show who appreciated his supportive stance.
Davies acknowledged her dance training but was emphatic that success on Strictly demands a unique set of skills. "Musical theatre is a completely different world to the dances we perform on Strictly," she explained, adding that she worked just as tirelessly as any other contestant without a performance background.
Looking Back on a 'Magical' Experience
Despite the unpleasant comments, which she described as "nasty," Davies reflected on her overall journey with fondness. She characterised her stint on the popular Saturday night programme as a overwhelmingly positive and "magical" chapter.
Expressing her sadness that the experience has concluded, she stated she is "heartbroken it's over." Her comments highlight the contrast between the online negativity from a vocal minority and the rewarding reality of taking part in the nation's favourite dance contest.
The incident, which took place in January 2026, continues to spark conversation about the treatment of reality TV contestants and the expectations placed on those with prior performance experience.
