Imagine going from singing in the background on a reality TV show to becoming a West End sensation and winning one of the most popular dating shows on television. That’s the incredible journey of Amber Davies, a performer whose rise to fame is nothing short of inspiring—and a little controversial. But here’s where it gets interesting: while many know her as the Love Island winner, few realize her story began long before the villa, rooted in years of training and a passion for the stage. So, how did Amber Davies go from an X Factor backing singer to a West End star? Let’s dive in.
Amber Davies, whose name has become synonymous with versatility in the entertainment world, recently stepped into the spotlight on Strictly Come Dancing after fellow reality star Dani Dyer’s unfortunate exit due to injury. While some celebrities might find the ballroom floor daunting, Amber has seamlessly transitioned into the role—and it’s no accident. Long before her reality TV days, Amber was already a trained performer, having honed her skills since childhood and earned a scholarship to one of the UK’s top drama schools. And this is the part most people miss: she even spent time as a backing singer on The X Factor, a detail that often gets overshadowed by her later successes. Join us as we explore Amber’s remarkable journey from behind-the-scenes vocalist to West End leading lady.
A Born Performer
Amber’s story begins in Denbigh, Wales, where her love for performing took root at a young age. Growing up, she participated in numerous talent shows across North Wales, showcasing her natural talent. At just 10 years old, she competed in the 2006 Urdd Eisteddfod, a prestigious singing competition in Ruthin. Alongside her sister Jade, who is also a successful West End performer, Amber was mentored by singer and radio presenter Leah Owen. From these early experiences, it was clear that Amber was destined for the stage.
The Move to the Big City
At 16, Amber’s dedication paid off when she secured a scholarship to the Urdang Academy, one of the UK’s leading drama schools. There, she completed a three-year Musical Theatre diploma, laying the foundation for her future career. During her time at Urdang, Amber juggled her studies with real-world experience, working at the London nightclub Cique Le Soir and even performing as a backing vocalist during The X Factor finale in 2015, supporting stars like Leona Lewis and Ben Haenow. These early gigs were more than just jobs—they were stepping stones to bigger things.
A Summer of Love and Opportunity
After graduating, Amber faced a pivotal moment: accept a role in Hairspray on the West End or take a chance on Love Island. She chose the latter, and in 2017, she won the show alongside her then-boyfriend Kem Cetinay. But Amber’s heart never strayed far from the stage. She soon returned to her theatre roots, landing the leading role in 9 to 5. In an interview with the Evening Standard, she addressed the skepticism surrounding her casting: ‘I only graduated in 2016, so I’m very fresh out of college. But I am trained, and I have every right to be here. I’m waiting and ready to prove people wrong. I know they’ll come in with a bit of, ‘Let’s see how Amber from Love Island will sing,’ and I just can’t wait—I want everyone to be pleasantly surprised.’
West End Stardom and Beyond
Since her West End debut, Amber’s career has soared. She met her boyfriend, Ben Joyce, while starring together in Back to the Future, and has since taken on leading roles in Pretty Woman and The Great Gatsby, alongside High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu. But Amber shows no signs of slowing down. After Strictly Come Dancing, she’s set to tour with Legally Blonde: The Musical, playing the iconic Elle Woods—a role made famous by Reese Witherspoon. Here’s the controversial question: With her reality TV background, do you think Amber deserves her place in the West End, or is she just another celebrity capitalizing on fame? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
