Strictly Come Dancing star Amber Davies says she’s found her ‘purpose’ after batting social media criticism ahead of Saturday’s final.
The theatre performer and former Love Island star, 29, will be up against YouTuber George Clarke and former footballer Karen Carney to get her hands on the Glitterball trophy.
However, despite making the final, Amber has come in for heavy criticism on social media, labelled as ‘hate’ by her dance partner Nikita Kuzman.
Amber said last week: ‘Guys, please. It’s really just a TV show. I wasn’t even supposed to be in the competition. You have no idea what we put our mind and body through for this experience.’
Now, she has given another defiant statement, telling her Instagram followers that she had discovered her ‘purpose’ on Strictly on the eve of the final.
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She said on her stories: ‘To the younger women of our future – being ambitious does not mean you’re arrogant, loving yourself does not mean you’re stuck up.
‘Being your own cheerleader is the kindest thing you can do to yourself. Talk to yourself the way you would your best friend. Confidence does not mean you’re too much.’
Amber added: ‘I want this message to be loud and clear. You are enough, exactly how you are, and don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.
‘I didn’t exactly know what my true purpose was going to be for Strictly – now I know. Whilst my engagement is hot, I feel this is a very important message.’
Amber and Nikita received 40 points from the judges after their impressive dance to Fly Me to the Moon, but were accused of ‘copying’ a routine from The Great Gatsby stage show.
The BBC almost immediately confirmed that the routine was made up of entirely fresh choreography and that any claims about duplication were unfounded.
Nikita defended his partner in the immediate aftermath.
‘You’ve had so much hate this week and yet,’ he said to Amber. ‘You came every single day into the training room with a big smile, ignoring everybody [on social media].’
He then pleaded with BBC viewers to ‘be kind’, adding that ‘it costs nothing.’ Nikita then turned to Amber again to remind her that she doesn’t deserve any of the hate coming her way.
‘You gave so much love, you always were kind, so caring, you care more about me when I’m supposed to care about you. You care about me every single day, you are such a lovely kind person.’
Nikita continued: ‘All you deserve is love because without you, if you hadn’t been here, I wouldn’t be here as well and the show would not be as good as it is because you bring so much joy.’
Before the semi-final, Amber reminded viewers that her inclusion was a last-minute one following the injury to Dani Dyer, who had originally been announced as Nikita’s celebrity partner.
‘I’m really just trying my best with the opportunity that came to me,’ she told fans in a social media post. ‘To anyone who has left a nice comment, thank you.’
Watch the Strictly Come Dancing final on BBC One at 7pm on Saturday, December 20.
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