Amber Davies Twice Rejected From Strictly Over Dance Experience Before Last-Minute Replacement

Amber Davies, a Welsh actress and former Love Island winner with extensive professional dance training and West End experience, was controversially brought in as a last-minute replacement on Strictly Come Dancing after Dani Dyer's injury. Prior to joining the show in 2025, Davies was reportedly rejected twice by BBC executives for being too skilled, as the show traditionally seeks celebrities who learn to dance from scratch, creating a narrative journey for viewers. Her casting has sparked backlash from both fans and fellow contestants, who argue that her prior dance expertise gives her an unfair advantage. While some insiders acknowledge this, the time constraints following Dyer's injury led producers to view Davies's readiness as necessary. Strictly representatives have denied records of previous rejections, and Davies has expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over the balance of talent and authenticity in celebrity dance competitions.