π₯π£From Love Island bikinis to Glitterball heartbreak, Amber Davies and hunky Ukrainian pro Nikita Kuzmin sent emotions exploding: sizzling, sparkling, and charging straight into the eye of the storm to finish as joint runners-up in Strictly Come Dancing 2025βs tear-soaked finale, amid tantrums, fury, and explosive βriggedβ accusations. π₯ But the off-air backstage moment β and who broke down in tears first β is what truly left the entire studio in stunned silenceβ¦ Read moreππ
In a whirlwind of sequins, steamy chemistry and enough drama to fill a soap opera script, Love Island bombshell Amber Davies and her dashing dance partner Nikita Kuzmin have captured the nation’s hearts β only to fall agonizingly short of the ultimate prize! The glamorous duo, who turned heads with their scorching routines and unbreakable bond, were crowned joint runners-up in the nail-biting Strictly Come Dancing 2025 finale, sharing the silver spot with architect George Clarke and pro Alexis Warr. But as confetti rained down and tears flowed freely, fans were left fuming: was the vote rigged? Did the judges play favorites? And what about that backstage bust-up that nearly derailed their dream?
As hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bid a poignant farewell after 21 years of hosting magic β Tess in her signature thigh-split gown, Claudia in her quirky black ensemble β the Elstree Studios ballroom pulsated with emotion. Karen Carney and Carlos Gu lifted the Glitterball Trophy in a historic win for the former Lioness, but all eyes were on Amber and Nikita, whose journey from last-minute replacement to fan favorites was nothing short of a fairy tale. ‘We gave it everything!’ Amber, 29, sobbed, clutching Nikita’s hand as the results were announced. ‘This man is incredible β he’s pushed me beyond my limits!’ Nikita, 27, ever the gentleman, wiped away his own tears: ‘Amber, you’re a star. We’ve made memories for life.’ Oh, darlings, grab the tissues β this is the story of the couple who almost had it all!
The finale was a spectacle of high-stakes glamour, with the three pairs β Amber and Nikita, George and Alexis, and winners Karen and Carlos β delivering show-stopping performances that had judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke on their feet. Amber and Nikita kicked off with their judges’ choice Paso Doble to Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On,’ a fierce, flamenco-infused number that showcased Amber’s dramatic flair from her West End days. ‘Darling, it was passionate, but a smidge over-the-top,’ Craig grumbled, awarding a 9 for a total of 39. Undeterred, they dazzled in their show dance to Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s ‘Rain On Me,’ complete with water effects and acrobatic lifts β another 39, with Shirley gushing: ‘You’ve grown so much!’
But it was their favorite routine, a high-energy Jive to Tina Turner’s ‘Proud Mary,’ that stole the show. Amber, in a fringed mini-dress channeling Tina herself, kicked and flicked with precision, while Nikita’s hip action had fans swooning. A perfect 40! ‘This is what Strictly is about!’ Motsi beamed. Yet, with the leaderboard tight β Amber at 118, tied with George at 117, behind Karen’s 117 (wait, no β totals varied, but the public vote sealed it) β it all came down to the viewers. As Tess read the results, the studio gasped: joint runners-up for Amber/Nikita and George/Alexis. Social media erupted: ‘Amber was robbed!’ one fan tweeted. ‘Nikita deserved better!’ Another fumed: ‘Rigged for the footballer β typical BBC!’
But let’s rewind to how this powerhouse pair came together. Amber Elizabeth Davies, born on October 4, 1996, in the quaint town of Denbigh, North Wales, hails from a down-to-earth working-class family. Her dad, a plumber by trade, and her mum, a dedicated mental health nurse, instilled in her a strong work ethic from a young age. ‘We weren’t wealthy, but we were happy,’ Amber once shared in a candid interview on The One Show. At 16, she snagged a scholarship to London’s prestigious Urdang Academy, where she honed her skills in musical theatre. It was a gamble β leaving home young, scraping by in the big city β but it paid off. Before fame hit, Amber gigged as a backing vocalist on The X Factor and even worked the nightlife scene at Cirque Le Soir, rubbing shoulders with celebs while dreaming of her big break.
That break came in 2017, when Amber strutted into the Love Island villa in a barely-there bikini and emerged victorious with then-boyfriend Kem Cetinay. The third series winners became overnight sensations, pocketing Β£50,000 and launching careers in the spotlight. ‘It was wild β one minute I’m pouring drinks, the next I’m on every magazine cover!’ Amber laughed on Lorraine. Post-villa, she capitalized on her fame with a lingerie line for Boux Avenue β think lacy bras and sultry sets that flew off shelves β and a clothing collab with Motel Rocks, where she served as ambassador. But Amber wasn’t content with reality TV fluff; she craved the stage.
Her theatre debut came in 2019 with 9 to 5: The Musical, playing the wide-eyed Judy Bernly alongside Dolly Parton-inspired tunes at London’s Savoy Theatre and on a UK tour. Critics raved: ‘Amber brings heart and humor!’ gushed The Guardian. She followed it with a recurring role as Jess in CBBC’s Almost Never in 2021, proving her acting chops. Then came Bring It On: The Musical (2021-2022), where she flipped and tumbled as cheerleader Campbell, Back to the Future: The Musical (2022-2023) as Lorraine Baines McFly β complete with 80s flair β and Pretty Woman: The Musical (2023-2024) as the iconic Vivian Ward, strutting in thigh-high boots on tour. ‘Theatre is my passion,’ Amber told Hello! ‘It’s raw, it’s real β no edits!’
Not one to shy from competition, Amber laced up her skates for Dancing on Ice in 2024, paired with Simon Proulx-SΓ©nΓ©cal. They dazzled with lifts and spins but were eliminated eighth after a shaky routine. ‘Gutted, but proud!’ she posted on Instagram, where her 1 million followers lapped up every update. Amid her stage success, Amber launched the podcast Call to Stage in 2024, chatting theatre life with stars like Jamie Muscato. And 2025? A blockbuster year: cast as Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby’s West End premiere at the London Coliseum, starting April alongside Corbin Bleu. Then, announced as Elle Woods in the 2026 UK tour of Legally Blonde β bend and snap! But fate had other plans…
Just a day after the Legally Blonde news, disaster struck Strictly hopeful Dani Dyer, who fractured her ankle in training. Enter Amber as the eleventh-hour replacement for series 23! Paired with Nikita Kuzmin, the chemistry was instant. ‘I was terrified β no prep time!’ Amber admitted on It Takes Two. But under Nikita’s expert guidance, she blossomed.
Now, onto the man himself: Nikita Kuzmin, the Ukrainian heartthrob who’s danced his way from war-torn roots to BBC stardom. Born December 23, 1997, in Kyiv, Nikita’s early life was uprooted when his family fled to Italy at age nine amid economic turmoil. His sister, Anastasia Kuzmina, a pro on Italy’s Ballando con le Stelle, inspired his passion for dance. ‘We’d practice in the living room β it was our escape,’ he recalled on Loose Women. At 13, a bombshell: diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a condition he manages daily with a visible CGM sensor in his costumes. ‘It doesn’t define me,’ he says defiantly. By 18, he settled in Frankfurt, Germany, training rigorously and clinching six Italian Championship titles in Latin and ballroom.
Nikita’s TV debut came in 2020 on Germany’s Let’s Dance, paired with rapper Sabrina Setlur. A Viennese Waltz and Cha Cha Cha later, they were out in week two β but it sparked his hunger. In 2021, Strictly called, making him one of four new pros for series 19. ‘A dream come true!’ he beamed. His partners? A stellar lineup: Tilly Ramsay (6th place, series 19, with a perfect 40 Couple’s Choice), Paralympian Ellie Simmonds (10th, series 20), actor Layton Williams (runners-up, series 21, multiple 40s), Olympian Sam Quek (10th, series 22), and now Amber (joint runners-up, series 23).
Off the floor, Nikita’s a force: touring with Strictly Live! since 2022, announcing his solo show Midnight Dancer for 2025, and even runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother 2024. Personal life? He’s been dating stunning model Lauren Jaine since October 2023 β think glamorous red carpets and cozy Insta snaps. But heartache struck in 2022 when Russia’s invasion hit Ukraine; Nikita tearfully shared fears for his grandmother on Lorraine, later reuniting with her after her escape from Kyiv. ‘Family first,’ he says.
Their Strictly journey? Pure fire! Week one: A graceful Waltz to Adele’s ‘When We Were Young’ scored 32, with Craig praising Amber’s poise. ‘You’ve got potential, darling!’ Week two’s Samba to Camila Cabello’s ‘Bam Bam’ sizzled at 35 β hips don’t lie! Musicals Week brought a Charleston to Guys and Dolls’ ‘Luck Be a Lady,’ a 38-point triumph. But bumps came: a rehearsal row over a tricky lift in semi-finals, whispers of ‘tension’ β denied, of course. ‘We’re like siblings!’ Amber laughed. Blackpool Week’s Couple’s Choice to Raye’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ was emotional, honoring Nikita’s heritage β perfect 40!
Fans adored their bond: ‘Best chemistry ever!’ trended on X. Amber’s boyfriend, actor Ben Joyce (her Pretty Woman co-star, together two years), cheered from the sidelines: ‘So proud!’ No curse here β Ben and Amber are solid, with wedding bells rumored. Nikita’s Lauren? Supportive as ever, posting heart emojis.
Post-finale, backlash brewed. ‘Craig ruined it with low scores!’ fans raged, referencing his 9s. Amber broke silence on Insta: ‘I want you to know we loved every second. Thank you!’ Nikita echoed: ‘Grateful forever.’ Future? Amber’s Gatsby beckons, Nikita’s tour. Whispers of a joint dance show? ‘Watch this space!’ they tease.
What a ride! From villa vixen to dancefloor diva, Amber and Nikita proved resilience wins β even in second place. Strictly 2025: unforgettable!
But wait, there’s more to unpack. Let’s dive deeper into Amber’s rise. Growing up in North Wales, she faced the typical teen struggles β bullying over her ambitions, financial hurdles. ‘I busked on streets to fund classes,’ she revealed in a podcast episode. Love Island wasn’t just fame; it was a launchpad amid heartbreak β her split from Kem months later made headlines. ‘We grew apart,’ she said diplomatically, but tabloids speculated cheating. Undaunted, Amber poured energy into theatre, earning rave reviews for her vocal range in 9 to 5. ‘Dolly herself approved!’ she bragged.
Dancing on Ice? A ‘freezing nightmare’ β slips, bruises, but it prepped her for Strictly. ‘Skates taught me balance,’ she noted. Podcasting? Call to Stage features raw chats β her episode with Nikita post-finale? Gold dust, spilling tea on their ‘sibling squabbles.’
Nikita’s story tugs heartstrings too. Diabetes diagnosis? ‘I thought my career was over,’ he confessed. But tech like his CGM keeps him going β even mid-routine! His Strictly highs: that Paso Doble with Layton, a 40-point masterpiece. Lows: early exits, but always gracious. Big Brother? ‘Chaotic fun!’ he laughed, finishing second to David Potts.
Their finale fallout? Insiders whisper Craig’s critiques stung β ‘over-dramatic’ for their Paso? ‘He hates musical theatre types!’ one source claimed. But Shirley defended: ‘Fair scoring.’ Fan petitions for a recount? Over 10,000 signatures!
Personal scoops: Amber and Ben’s romance blossomed onstage β ‘He swept me off my feet!’ No kids yet, but ‘someday.’ Nikita and Lauren? Long-distance champs, her modeling in London, him touring. ‘She grounds me,’ he says.
As Tess and Claudia exit, Strictly evolves β but Amber and Nikita’s legacy? Eternal sparkle. From underdogs to icons, they’ve danced into history. Keep watching β this duo’s just beginning!
