Amber Davies was announced as Dani Dyer’s replacement (Image: BBC)

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing are reportedly fuming that Amber Davies has joined the cast. The Love Island winner, 28, stepped in at the last minute after Dani Dyer was forced to pull out due to injury. But the announcement has certainly ruffled some feathers, with both fans and the cast believing her background in performing arts will give her an “unfair” advantage. Born in North Wales, Amber earned a scholarship at 16 to study musical theatre at London’s Urdang Performing Arts Academy.

Following her time on Love Island, the reality star secured multiple leading roles in major West End productions, including 9 to 5, Bring It On, Pretty Woman, and The Great Gatsby. An insider has now revealed that the celebrity contestants are frustrated with newcomer Amber and fellow late arrival Lewis Cope, who also boasts an accomplished background in theatre and dance.

The cast reportedly believe Amber’s extensive background in theatre will give her an ‘unfair’ advantage (Image: Getty)

An insider told The Sun: “The celebs are trying to be good sports about everything and don’t want to let on to show bosses they’re unhappy.

“But behind the scenes, all the chatter is they think it’s unfair that the line-up now includes two sensational dancers who have substantial experience on stage.

“Having one celeb with that kind of background is one thing but having two is seen as unfair, particularly if they both ended up in the final.”

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Amber said: “This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. 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 am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud.”

She will be partnered with Nikita Kuzmin and the pair will perform the Waltz during tonight’s first live show. But the cast are not the only ones who have criticised Amber as the show has also come under fire from fans.

Taking to X, one fumed: “A trained dancer!!! This show has lot the plot in every area. Needs a total reset.”

Another agreed: “At least Nikita will get a partner. Love Island winner… really? Not exactly a celebrity, but saying that….not many are this series. Plus she’s already a trained dancer – hopefully she’ll be voted off quickly.”

“She is a trained dancer and was on Dancing On Ice a few years ago. She is too trained for this show,” a third echoed.

However, others defended the decision, with one writing: “Think someone with dance experience was the only fair way to give Nikita a partner. Wouldn’t be fair on someone with no experience to have only a few days training.”