'I feel like I know there will be like, "She's trained"...' Amber Davies predicted Strictly criticism
Amber Davies - who replaced Dani Dyer on Strictly Come Dancing - predicted that some people would complain about her being a trained dancer.
Amber Davies predicted the criticism about her taking part in Strictly Come Dancing as a trained dancer.
The 28-year-old actress replaced Dani Dyer after the Love Island star withdrew from the BBC's Latin and ballroom dance show after she fell and fractured her ankle during rehearsal on September 19 - eight days before the first live programme.
Despite Amber being trained in musical theatre, she insists on being a novice when it comes to ballroom and Latin dancing.
Speaking on the latest episode of her Call to Stage podcast - which was recorded before she was asked if she wanted to join Strictly Come Dancing - Amber said: "I feel like I know there will be like, 'She's trained.'
"Yes, I did train in musical theatre. However, I am a beginner when it comes to ballroom [and] Latin dancing.
"So I feel like I will be starting from scratch. I mean, I'll give it my all."
The BBC announced that Amber - who has starred in multiple West End shows, such as the Dolly Parton-inspired show 9-5 at the Savoy Theatre - had replaced Dani, 29, on September 26, and some Strictly Come Dancing fans were not happy.
One user wrote online: "She’s a trained West End star. I really like her, but this is ridiculous."
A second penned: "As much as I love Amber, she’s another trained dancer. (Yes, I know she’s not trained in ballroom) but still has rhythm and dance experience."
And a third person said: "Not really fair. She dances and sings for a living."
Amber - who shot to fame after winning the third series of ITV2's Love Island with her ex-boyfriend Kem Cetinay, 29, in 2017 - is dancing with 27-year-old professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, who was partnered up with Dani.
And Amber said she is doing the show for both her and Dani.
Amber added: "Also, I'd do it for Dani as well, because she's, unfortunately, broken her ankle.
"So I'd do it for her and me. But I will update you guys, I guess."
On September 27 - the first live show of Strictly Come Dancing's new series - Amber and Nikita danced a show-stopping Waltz to When We Were Young by 37-year-old singer Adele.
The pair had just 24 hours to prepare for the routine, which saw them finish in joint second on the leaderboard after they scored 28 points from the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, 60, Motsi Mabuse, 44, Shirley Ballas, 65, and 59 year old Anton Du Beke.
After Amber and Nikita danced, Shirley - who serves as Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing - said: "This was outstanding. It has that elegance, real ease of movement.
"Miraculous really."
And Craig added: "I felt the footwork was way too balletic. You are naturally blessed with the neck of a flamingo darling, long, elegant lines which you can't buy or purchase, and your arms are absolutely exquisite."
