The glitz, the sequins, the first live show—Strictly Come Dancing is back, but not without drama before the curtain even rises.
Just days before launch, fan favorite Dani Dyer was forced to pull out of the competition after fracturing her ankle in rehearsals.
In a quick turn of events, West End performer and Love Island winner Amber Davies has stepped in to replace her.
Amber Steps Into the Spotlight
At 28, Amber Davies isn’t a stranger to the stage.
Known for her theatre background, she already holds a Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre and Dance and trained at the Urdang Academy.
She’s also no stranger to competition, finishing fifth on ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2024.
Now, she’s pairing up with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, ready to show off her waltz skills this Saturday night.
Fans Question Fairness of Casting
Not everyone is thrilled with Amber’s addition to the lineup.
Some Strictly fans took to social media to complain that the show has drifted away from its roots of teaching non-dancers how to dance.
“A trained dancer! This show has lost the plot,” one fan wrote.
Others pointed out Amber’s stint on Dancing On Ice and her nightclub dance experience, arguing that she may have an unfair advantage.
A Cast Full of Dancers
Amber isn’t the only contestant with rhythm in her back pocket.
Emmerdale star Lewis Cope once starred in Billy Elliot on the West End and even reached the finals of Got To Dance with his troupe Ruff Diamond.
Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey also had a head start, having performed in the 2024 Strictly Christmas special.
Meanwhile, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal admitted she’s dabbled in ballroom and Latin before.
Even RuPaul’s Drag Race star La Voix shares the same Urdang Academy training ground as Amber.
Dani’s Heartbreaking Exit
Dani Dyer’s departure left fans gutted. She revealed the accident happened during a rehearsal when she fell and landed awkwardly.
An MRI later confirmed a fracture.
In a statement, Dani admitted she was “heartbroken” and joked about the dangers of attempting a quickstep on a broken ankle.
The BBC has since confirmed that they hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in 2026.
Odds and Early Favorites
Bookmakers already have their eyes on the frontrunners.
Lewis Cope is tipped as the favorite to win with odds of 2/1, followed closely by George Clarke, Amber Davies, and Vicky Pattison at 5/1 each.
Ellie Goldstein stands at 6/1, with Nitro sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey close behind at 7/1. At the other end, football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and entrepreneur Thomas Skinner face long-shot odds of 33/1.
Strictly 2025’s Glittering Cast
From Olympic sprinters to soap stars, this year’s lineup is one of the most varied in recent memory.
EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and model Ellie Goldstein are all set to light up the dancefloor.
Reality stars Thomas Skinner and Vicky Pattison will bring personality, while rugby player Chris Robshaw and football pundit Karen Carney step into new territory.
Rounding things out are showbiz veteran Ross King, Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, and drag star La Voix.
Amber’s Big Promise
For Amber, joining Strictly has been a whirlwind. “This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life,” she said.
“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 hope to do Dani proud.”
With the first live show looming, all eyes will be on Amber and Nikita as they step onto the ballroom floor for their debut.