Amber Davies, the celebrated Welsh actress and winner of Love Island 2017, has consistently dazzled audiences across the UK, from the West End to the vibrant ballroom of Strictly Come Dancing. This season, Davies delivered one of the most genuine and widely discussed moments on live TV: teaching her dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin, Welsh during their journey on the BBC’s hit show. Her blend of culture, talent, and relatability made this event both endearing and culturally significant, a moment that resonated beyond the dance floor.
Making Strictly Come Dancing Proudly Welsh
During the week’s rehearsal and broadcast, Amber Davies turned language tutor for her Ukrainian partner, infusing their routine not just with fancy footwork but with the sounds and rhythms of her homeland. Facing difficulty loosening up for their energetic Salsa, she took a creative approach, teaching Nikita useful Welsh phrases. “What’s the Welsh term for forward?” Nikita asked. Amber’s reply, “ymlaen”, became their mantra for the show. She even led him through a count of “un, dau, tri, pedwar” to help master the choreography.
Amber Davies’s pride in her Welsh heritage was palpable. “I am so proud to be Welsh. I wanted to teach Nikita some of my native language,” she said, introducing viewers, judges, and her partner to words for arms, legs, and even “jellyfish,” a favourite of Nikita’s. This cultural lesson added a playful yet meaningful layer to their routine, drawing smiles from fans and judges alike.
The Emotional Impact: Why This Moment Mattered
While the night featured impressive dance scores, the pair clinched a remarkable 38 points, with high marks from both Craig and Shirley. Much of the buzz centred on their heartwarming exchange. Amber Davies’s moments speaking Welsh on national television, subtitles translating her hopes of making Wales proud, and her leap into Nikita’s arms after rousing applause set Strictly’s social media alight.
This wasn’t just about dance. It became a celebration of identity and collaboration, with Amber Davies acknowledging that “it’s all about getting down and feeling your body.” The lesson provided a tangible way to relax, connect, and enrich their partnership, progress resonating with viewers both inside and outside Wales.
Amber Davies’ Journey: Past, Present, and Criticism
Amber Davies’s trek on Strictly has been marked by highs, challenges, and controversy. With a background in West End musicals and a scholarship to the prestigious Urdang Academy, Amber’s dance proficiency led to criticism among some Strictly viewers who thought her experience gave her an unfair advantage. She stepped in as a last-minute replacement following Dani Dyer’s injury, immediately setting the leaderboard alight while facing online backlash.
Amber Davies, however, addressed her critics with composure: “Every year there’s someone from the performing arts who faces this. I am doing my utmost to ignore any distractions, concentrating on being present and making myself proud. My only goal is to enjoy the fruits of our labor and cherish this experience.” She emphasized that ballroom and musical theatre are “worlds apart,” and shared her emotional struggles, including tears during exhausting rehearsals and self-doubt. Her openness has drawn empathy and praise, creating a more nuanced picture of her journey.
The Magic of Partnership: Chemistry, Support, and Personality
Amber Davies and Nikita’s partnership is defined by warmth, humor, and vulnerability. Nikita himself has been vocal in support, saying, “I don’t want any actress, I want the real Amber with me every day as long as it is possible.” Their bond is evident both on and off the dance floor, from affectionate training moments to their seamless performances. Rumors of the “Strictly curse” have circulated (especially after an Argentine Tango that saw Amber and Nikita nearly kiss), but both have handled speculation gracefully, with Amber’s boyfriend Ben Joyce expressing confidence and support for her and Nikita’s girlfriend joining in camaraderie.
Amber Davies’s friendship with past contestants like Layton Williams has also played a key role. Layton and the West End community rallied behind her, countering negativity with waves of online positivity, and further fueling her resilience.
Welsh Representation and National Pride
Amber Davies’s connection to Wales is at the core of her identity. Born in North Wales and celebrated by her former school and community, this Strictly moment was a proud occasion for Welsh viewers and Irish diaspora alike. Amber’s Welsh lesson highlighted the importance of representation in mainstream media, giving her home country a voice and visibility on prime-time television.
Her performance was more than a televised dance; it was a shared cultural experience. As she said in Welsh before the routine, hoping to make Wales proud, she became a beacon for national pride and cultural exchange
