Strictly Come Dancing is already generating drama even before the competition begins, particularly for professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin. With just days left until the live shows, Love Island alum Amber Davies has been brought in to replace Dani Dyer, leading to a significant impact on the betting markets.
Earlier this week, Dani had to exit the show due to an ankle injury sustained during training. Amber, a former Love Island winner like Dani, was selected as her replacement, causing a shift in the odds. Online casino provider Slingo now places Amber at 5/1 to win the Glitterball trophy, positioning her as a top contender.
The sudden change has put Nikita in a more uncertain position. Previously seen as a favorite when partnered with Dani, Nikita now faces tougher competition with Amber by his side. Despite this, Amber’s substantial online following from her Love Island days could potentially sway votes in their favor throughout the series.
Slingo’s spokesperson highlighted the significant impact of Amber’s addition on the betting markets, noting her strong emergence as a contender. While Nikita had high hopes for this season, Amber’s entry has added a new dynamic to the competition, making the path to victory more challenging.
The decision to replace Dani with Amber stirred controversy among the Strictly stars, especially considering Amber’s extensive dance experience in stage productions like The Great Gatsby and 9 To 5. Some competitors felt it was unfair to have two highly skilled dancers in the lineup, particularly with another replacement, Lewis Cope, also possessing dance background.
The BBC denied claims of discontent among the cast, emphasizing that there was no evidence to support such reports. As the competition gears up with Amber’s inclusion, the dynamics of the show have undoubtedly shifted, setting the stage for an intriguing and unpredictable season ahead.
