From Backup Singer to Spotlight Stealer: The Unstoppable Rise of Amber Davies
Most people know Amber Davies as the radiant winner of Love Island 2017, but her journey to stardom is far more fascinating—and unexpected—than reality TV fame. What many don’t realize is that long before she graced the villa, Amber was already a seasoned performer, honing her craft in the shadows of The X Factor and the bright lights of the West End. And here’s the twist: her Strictly Come Dancing debut wasn’t just luck—it was years of preparation paying off.
A Star Was Born: Amber’s Early Years
Amber Davies didn’t just stumble into the entertainment industry—she was practically born for it. Growing up in Denbigh, Wales, she and her sister Jade (now also a West End success story) were immersed in performing from a young age. At just 10 years old, Amber competed in the prestigious Urdd Eisteddfod, a traditional Welsh singing competition—an early sign of her raw talent. Under the mentorship of singer and radio presenter Leah Owen, Amber’s passion for the stage only grew stronger.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Some might argue that reality TV is an easy shortcut to fame. Yet, Amber’s background proves otherwise—she put in the work long before the cameras found her.
The Big Break: From Drama School to The X Factor
At 16, Amber’s talent earned her a scholarship to the renowned Urdang Academy, one of the UK’s top drama schools. There, she immersed herself in a rigorous three-year Musical Theatre program, but she didn’t stop at classes. While studying, she worked at London’s exclusive nightclub Cirque Le Soir and even landed a gig as a backup singer for The X Factor 2015 finale, supporting legends like Leona Lewis and Ben Haenow.
And this is the part most people miss: Backup singing isn’t just about harmonizing—it’s about discipline, timing, and blending into a group while still shining. These skills would later fuel her solo success.
Love Island or Broadway? Amber’s Bold Choice
After graduating in 2016, Amber faced a crossroads: She’d secured a role in Hairspray the Musical on the West End—a dream for any performer. But then Love Island came calling. Against conventional wisdom, she chose reality TV. Was it a mistake? Far from it. Winning the show with Kem Cetinay catapulted her into the public eye, but she didn’t let fame derail her ambitions.
In her own words to the Evening Standard: "I’m trained, and I have every right to be here. I want everyone to be pleasantly surprised." Bold statement? Absolutely. Critics might dismiss reality stars as unserious, but Amber was determined to prove them wrong.
Conquering the West End—and Beyond
Post-Love Island, Amber didn’t rest on her laurels. She returned to theater, snagging lead roles in 9 to 5, Pretty Woman: The Musical, and The Great Gatsby alongside High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu. Along the way, she even met her boyfriend, actor Ben Joyce, while co-starring in Back to the Future: The Musical.
Now, after dazzling audiences on Strictly Come Dancing (stepping in for the injured Dani Dyer), Amber is gearing up to tour as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde—a full-circle moment, considering Reese Witherspoon’s iconic film role.
The Controversy: Does Reality TV Undermine "Real" Talent?
Here’s the debate: Can someone transition from Love Island to the West End without being labeled a "nepo baby" or a fame chaser? Amber’s career suggests yes—but not without relentless effort. So, what do you think? Is her trajectory inspiring, or does reality TV still carry an unfair stigma in the arts? Drop your thoughts below—let’s settle this once and for all.
