Strictly Come Dancing star Amber Davies is reeling after a shock announcement hit just as she was riding high from a life-changing moment that catapulted her into the nation’s spotlight.

Strictly's Amber Davies 'gutted' by announcement after move than 'changed her life' - Manchester Evening News

The West End actress, who was never meant to be part of the 2025 line-up, became Strictly’s most dramatic last-minute addition when she was drafted in just 24 hours before the first live show, replacing the injured Dani Dyer in a twist insiders say “threw the entire production into chaos”.

But her unexpected entry turned into a golden opportunity. Amber and pro partner Nikita Kuzmin have since become one of the breakout couples of the season, surviving nine intense weeks and making it to the iconic Blackpool special — a milestone she described as “once in a lifetime”.

Amber dazzled in Blackpool with a high-energy quickstep set to S Club 7’s “Reach,” earning an impressive 36/40. Even head judge Shirley Ballas admitted she was “exhausted just watching,” calling the performance a “Hollywood extravaganza”.

But the night was overshadowed by behind-the-scenes turmoil. The latest dance-off was cancelled after La Voix was forced to withdraw due to injury — a sudden turn that insiders claim caused “panic and heartbreak” among the cast.

Still, the Blackpool magic swept the ballroom, with Amber sharing a carousel of backstage moments online, writing: “I will never EVER forget the magic of last night.”

Yet just as she headed back into rehearsals for Week 10, Amber was hit with devastating news that left her “gutted.”

The beloved West End show Back to the Future: The Musical, where she once starred as Lorraine Baines McFly — and where she met current boyfriend Ben Joyce — has announced its West End closure before moving on to a UK tour.

“I am so grateful to have been part of its history,” Amber wrote. “Gutted to see it closing… loved every second of playing Miss Lorraine Baines.”

In another post with boyfriend Ben, she added: “A job that changed my life for the better. My Marty forever.”

For Amber, Strictly has reignited a professional fire — but the closing of the show that shaped her personal life has struck a bittersweet note.

And with the competition only getting fiercer, sources backstage hint that Amber’s emotional rollercoaster is far from over.

“She’s stronger than people think,” one insider teased.
“But the weeks ahead? They’re going to test her.”