Amber Davies has been announced as the new star joining Strictly after Dani Dyer was forced to pull out.
Love Island star Amber is a trained West End performer and will make her debut on Saturday night for the first live show of the series – dancing with partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Bosses had hoped that Dani, who was originally partnered with Nikita, would go far in the competition, but it was announced on Tuesday that she’d been forced to withdraw after fracturing her ankle in training.
Amber – who was voted the winner of Love Island in 2017 alongside Kem Certinay – has a high chance of success, however, given she’s a trained dancer.
She has pursued a professional acting career, with lead roles in theatre productions including Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical, and The Great Gatsby.
On joining Strictly, Amber said: ‘This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life.’
Amber Davies is joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing and will make her debut during Saturday night’s live show alongside partner Nikita Kuzmin
Bosses had hoped that Dani Dyer, who was originally partnered with Nikita, would go far in the competition, but it was announced on Tuesday that she’d been forced to withdraw
Bosses had hoped that Daniwould go far in the competitio but Amber has a high chance of success given she’s a trained dancer (pictured in The Great Gatsby on the West End)
She continued: ‘I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.
‘I’m going to give it my all and I am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud.’
Amber has just started rehearsals with her partner Nikita, and they will dance a Waltz on Saturday night.
Yet while she may not have long to prepare, she has plenty of dance experience already.
Amber has a Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre and Dance, took dance as a GCSE subject at school, and trained at Danceworld Stage School.
Amber will compete on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing alongside Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein, Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison, Stefan Dennis, Ross King, Karen Carney and Lewis Cope.
The announcement follows Dani’s departure from this year’s competition due to injury.
In a statement, BBC bosses confirmed that the door would be left open for ‘heartbroken’ Dani to return next year, saying they ‘hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.’
Dani’s partner Nikita will now be paired with fellow Love Island star Amber
Amber first rose to fame when she was voted the winner of Love Island in 2017 alongside Kem Certinay and went on to land a number of West End roles
Dani is also the second star to pull out of this year’s series before the first live show has even aired, as Game Of Thrones star Kristian Nairn withdrew from the lineup due to ‘unexpected medical reasons.’
The Daily Mail broke the news that Dani, one of the show’s favourites, had to bow out on Tuesday, after fracturing her ankle during a training rehearsal last Friday.
Dani later confirmed this in a statement and said: ‘I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.
‘Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l’ve had to pull out of the show.
‘To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.’
The accident occurred before Dani even got to perform one routine.
Sarah James, Executive Producer for BBC Studios said: ‘Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.
‘Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.’
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: ‘Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
