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A former teacher of “Strictly Come Dancing” finalist Amber Davies has lauded her as a “born performer,” noting her early promise.
Catherine Jones, who instructed the actress during school productions at Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph, Denbighshire, recalled Davies honing her skills there before relocating to London at age 16.
Jones suggested Davies’ West End background made her a “good choice” for the competition, stepping in at short notice after Dani Dyer’s ankle injury during training.
Davies is set to compete against YouTuber George Clarke and football commentator Karen Carney in Saturday’s finale, marking the culmination of a 12-week contest.
Speaking to Radio Wales Breakfast, Mrs. Jones highlighted Davies’ initial foray into theatre: “She really enjoyed being on stage and being a part of everything.”
“She loved taking part in all types of singing and performing. I think she’s been a born performer since she was in primary school.”
Davies participated in the school choir and competed at the Llangollen Eisteddfodd before traveling to New York to perform in churches and chapels, including the renowned LaGuardia High School for performing arts.
Since then, she has taken on roles in musical theatre productions such as “Pretty Woman,” “9 to 5: The Musical,” “The Great Gatsby,” and will headline next year’s “Legally Blonde” musical tour.
Davies stepped in for Dyer just before the first televised show, subsequently facing online criticism suggesting her performing arts background gave her an unfair advantage.
Mrs. Jones countered that the performer’s West End experience didn’t guarantee success in ballroom dancing.
“She’s been a leading lady [in musical theatre], but leading ladies don’t usually do all that [choreography],” she stated.
The teacher also expressed that some of the commentary directed at Davies was unjust.
“People forget she’s missed all those weeks of basic ballroom skills.”
“I take my hat off to her. Some of those moves [on Strictly] have been quite scary, when she’s thrown around the place, and I think she’s done amazing.”
Mrs. Jones conveyed her excitement for the finale and encouraged “everybody in Wales” to rally behind Davies.
“It’s all up to us now. I’d still say she is the best dancer there.”
Regardless of the outcome, she hoped her former student would “enjoy tomorrow” and feel proud of reaching the final stage.
“She’s done her job. To me, she will always be a winner.”
The seven-week course will launch in early 2026 and offer a job opportunity at the end.
The ex-Lionesses’s determination stems from her battle of wanting to play football with the boys.
The committee will take a “robust and transparent approach” to tackling editorial concerns, a report says.
Rush also starred in Grange Hill and Vera, and was the son of Coronation Street star Debbie Rush.
Karen Carney’s mum Marie says watching her daughter on the BBC One show has been “amazing”.
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