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Amber Davies: The 'Love Island' Winner Defying Reality TV Stigma on West End and 'Strictly' Dancefloor By BBC Entertainment Correspondent 06 October 2025 Former Love Island winner Amber Davies has cemented her successful transition from reality television personality to respected stage actor and prime-time broadcast star, following her dramatic last-minute recruitment to the BBC’s flagship dancing competition, Strictly Come Dancing. Davies, who won the ITV dating contest in 2017, surprised viewers and critics by rapidly adapting to the demands of the ballroom, scoring highly in the initial weeks of the competition. Her unexpected entry into the celebrity dance-off, coupled with a well-established career in West End musicals, highlights a deliberate and successful pivot that challenges the traditional career trajectory of reality television alumni. Surprise Entry and Leaderboard Success Davies joined the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing just days before the first live show, replacing fellow Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, who was forced to withdraw after sustaining an ankle injury during rehearsals. The sudden inclusion of Davies, 29, initially raised questions about her readiness, given the minimal training time afforded to her and her professional partner, Nikita Kuzmin. However, after securing a respectable initial score with her Waltz, Davies delivered a high-impact Samba in week two that placed her at the top of the combined leaderboard, accumulating an overall score of 56 points. Her performance received strong praise from the judging panel, with Motsi Mabuse remarking on her innate talent, noting: “You have the most amazing body rhythm I have seen in a while, well done. ” Judge Craig Revel Horwood was quoted as saying he “loved, loved, loved” the performance, a notable accolade given his critical reputation. Davies' rapid success underscores her background in performance, a crucial differentiating factor in her career following her win on the third series of Love Island. While many contestants from the show capitalise on immediate influencer fame, Davies had secured a scholarship to the prestigious Urdang Academy in London as a teenager, training in musical theatre before her appearance on the reality show.
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The Calculated Risk of Reality Fame When Davies entered the villa in 2017, she acknowledged the significant risk reality television posed to her long-term professional aspirations. At the time, she was widely quoted as being prepared to face industry doubt regarding her credibility. Speaking previously about her decision to take the Love Island opportunity, Davies stated she was "waiting and ready to prove people wrong," anticipating the inevitable scrutiny that comes with transitioning from light entertainment to serious acting. Immediately following her reality television victory, Davies followed the common trajectory of lucrative fashion and brand collaborations, including a substantial deal with Motel Rocks. However, this period served as a brief interlude before she committed fully to her initial passion. This strategic use of reality television as a launchpad for broader exposure, rather than an end in itself, has been pivotal to her career longevity. The commitment paid off significantly. Within a year of leaving the villa, Davies made her West End debut in the Dolly Parton-produced musical 9 to 5, playing the role of Judy Bernly. This was followed by a series of high-profile roles in movie musical adaptations, a theatrical niche she appears to have successfully carved out. Sustained West End Success Davies’ theatrical résumé has continued to expand, demonstrating consistency in securing major parts.
She has since starred as Campbell in the UK tour of Bring It On: The Musical, played Lorraine Baines McFly in the West End production of Back to the Future: The Musical, and took on the demanding lead role of Vivian Ward in the UK tour of Pretty Woman: The Musical. In a clear sign of her continued professional momentum, Davies is slated to take on two major roles in the coming years: Jordan Baker in the West End and European premiere of The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum in 2025, and the iconic lead role of Elle Woods in the 2026 UK and Ireland tour of Legally Blonde: The Musical. This sustained body of work has positioned her as one of the few reality television stars who have successfully migrated back to a pre-existing, professional career path, using the platform to elevate her profile rather than define it. Scrutiny and the Value of the ‘Reality’ Platform While her talent is often praised, the presence of the ‘Love Island’ label continues to generate industry debate, particularly in the context of competition-based shows like Strictly Come Dancing. Former professional dancer and analyst Brendan Cole offered perspective on the dynamic between reality star fame and public voting appeal. Speaking recently, Cole suggested that while Davies is technically excellent, her Love Island background might affect public perception compared to contestants with more traditionally aspirational careers. “She’s going to be brilliant… she still produced a beautiful Waltz [with minimal training],” Cole commented, adding a caveat regarding relatability. “As a Love Island contestant, she might not have the same appeal as a World Cup-winning footballer. I don’t mean that in a negative way, but in terms of aspiration, it’s a different story. Who captures the public’s imagination?” This assessment highlights the persistent dual challenge faced by successful reality TV stars: overcoming initial industry scepticism regarding their training, while simultaneously navigating the public’s changing definitions of celebrity and relatability.
Davies’ appearances on high-profile BBC and ITV competitive shows, including reaching the semi-finals of Dancing on Ice in 2024, indicate a willingness to embrace continuous visibility across different entertainment genres, further demonstrating her versatility. Outlook for the Crossover Star The participation of Amber Davies in Strictly Come Dancing is less a reinvention and more a culmination of a successful, post-reality-TV strategy. By returning to her roots in performance, she has managed to secure professional credibility while maintaining the significant audience size gained from her time on Love Island. Her ability to secure leading theatrical roles alongside highly competitive television slots positions her as a notable case study in managing reality TV fame into a long-term, multi-platform entertainment career. Her current success on the dancefloor adds a powerful new dimension to her portfolio, proving that the original Love Island fame was merely the opening scene to a much longer and more professionally diverse career narrative. The coming weeks of the competition will determine if her performance talent can translate into securing the public vote and, ultimately, the Glitterball Trophy. For more on Amber Davies' plans for the future, you can watch this report: EXCLUSIVE: Amber Davies Gives Details on What She is Working on Next!.
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