Dani Dyer speaks out as Amber Davies steps in to replace her on Strictly

Dani Dyer has posted a supportive message following the revelation that Strictly Come Dancing’s lineup was adjusted after she fractured her ankle and was forced to withdraw. With the first live show looming on Saturday, producers announced that Amber Davies, a West End performer and former Love Island contestant, will replace Dyer.

Amber Davies, 28, brings substantial stage dance experience, including leading roles in The Great Gatsby and 9 to 5, and has worked as a dancer at Cirque Le Soir in London. The change reportedly left the rest of the celebrity lineup furious as they prepared to train for the ballroom.

In an Instagram Story, Dyer wrote: 'Good luck to all the gorgeous cast starting there strictly journey tonight can't wait to watch you all, so proud & know how hard you've all been working.. see you all soon.'

A Sun source described backstage anger, saying: 'The celebs are trying to be good sports about everything and don't want to let on to show bosses they're unhappy. But behind the scenes, all the chatter is they think it's unfair that the line-up now includes two sensational dancers who have substantial experience on stage.' They added: 'Having one celeb with that kind of background is one thing but having two is seen as unfair, particularly if they both ended up in the final.'

A BBC spokesperson later pushed back, stating: 'We’ve been shown absolutely no evidence to suggest that this story is true, or that the anonymous quote it is based on is from anyone connected to the series.'

On joining Strictly, Amber said: 'This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life.' She added: 'I've watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true. I’m going to give it my all and I am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud.'

Dani had originally been paired with Nikita Kuzmin for this year’s series, though Kuzmin will now dance with Amber, performing a waltz live on Sunday night. Amber has just started rehearsals with her partner. She previously took part in Dancing On Ice, where she finished in fourth place. In reflecting on her skating credentials, she told Daily Mail that while skating required different training, her performance ability could still help tell a story on stage.