Amber Davies applauded for ‘classy’ BBC Strictly finale speech following weeks of online criticism

Her response comes after weeks of brutal online trolling

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have showered Amber Davies with praise following her gracious remarks during the series finale when asked what winning would mean to her.

The contestant, partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, gave an unexpectedly selfless answer that moved audiences at home.

“Would it be nice to win? Yes. Do you know what would be nicer? If one of my friends picks up that Glitterball,” she told host Claudia Winkleman.

Davies went on to express her admiration for fellow finalists George Clarke and Karen Carney, describing them as “the most genuine, kind, hard working people.”

BBBC Strictly: Amber was praised for her respons

She added that reaching the final felt like a victory in itself, stating: “I feel like I’ve already won by just being here, but I wasn’t supposed to be here.”

The response on social media was swift, with fans rushing to defend Davies against criticism she had faced throughout the competition.

“That was classy. She didn’t have to say it. Hats off to Ambakita,” wrote one viewer on X.

Another posted: “How can people hate Amber. She’s the most lovely girl. People just couldn’t enjoy the show for what it was and leave her be. Such a shame.”

BBC Stircty: Amber and Nikita took to the floor for the last time

Several users took aim at those who had directed negativity towards the contestant during the series, with one writing: “Yes carry on calling her selfish and nasty when she acts like THAT. Shame on you all for being disgusting towards that gorgeous girl.”

Others suggested jealousy was behind the trolling, noting Davies was “young beautiful and in her prime.”

The finale marked an emotional occasion beyond the competition itself, as it represented the final episode with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the helm after more than two decades presenting the programme.

Both hosts appeared visibly moved as they made their entrance, with Winkleman revealing the show’s signature catchphrase “keep dancing” emblazoned across the back of her blazer.

Viewers at home admitted they were already in tears as the evening began.

The three finalist couples each performed multiple routines throughout the night, including dances selected by the judges.

Davies and Kuzmin opened proceedings with their Paso Doble to Aerosmith’s Dream On, chosen by Shirley Ballas, while Clarke and Alexis Warr reprised their Viennese Waltz to Queen’s Somebody to Love, picked by Anton Du Beke.

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu also took to the floor with their Argentine Tango to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ Red Right Hand, a routine selected by Motsi Mabuse.

For their final performance of the evening, Davies and Kuzmin reprised the Jive that had earned them a perfect score of 40 points earlier in the series.

The routine proved to be an emotional moment for the pair, with Davies becoming tearful afterwards as she spoke about her partnership with the professional dancer.

She expressed how much she would miss working alongside Kuzmin, highlighting the bond the two had formed over the course of the competition.

The evening saw all three couples perform show dances alongside their judge-selected and self-chosen routines.