She was crowned Love Island winner in 2017, alongside then-boyfriend Kem Cetinay. However, Amber Davies’ time on the show was anything but smooth as she found herself embroiled in dramatic fights and recoupling showdowns – least not when Georgia Harrison swooped in and tried to steal her man.
The Welsh star, 25, even had sex on screen with Kem, 26, just five days after they got together. But looking back, she insists she has no regrets.
“I love seeing little clips of that series, because I was so young and naïve, but I wouldn’t change of any of it for the world,” says Amber. “I look back and I can’t believe how far I’ve come since then. Love Island really kick-started everything. I wish I could tell my younger self how exciting life would get!”
Although actress Amber turned down a role in the stage musical Hairspray so she could appear on the hit dating show, she has still gone on to carve out a hugely successful theatre career. She was even handpicked by legendary country singer, Dolly Parton, 76, to star in her West End production of 9 To 5The Musical as lead character Judy Bernly. But Amber says she’s had to graft to prove her worth.
“I definitely had to earn people’s respect and show them that I trained in theatre,” she reveals. “Love Island doesn’t define who I am as a person, but I certainly had to work that little bit harder to prove people wrong. When it comes to my performances, I think I shock people 99 per cent of the time.”
Sadly, Amber and Kem’s romance ended six months after they exited the villa, with their hectic schedules reportedly forcing them apart. Since then, she’s been romantically linked to TOWIE’s Pete Wicks and singers Olly Murs and Liam Payne.
She’s now loved-up with Nick Kyriacou – an operations manager from south west London, who she began dating two years ago.
Despite often dubbing Nick, 29, as her “baby daddy” on social media, Amber doesn’t have any plans to start a family or walk down the aisle any time soon – unlike her BFF Olivia Attwood. The girls met on Love Island, where Olivia, 31, was partnered with Chris Hughes, 29, before they split up seven months later.
“Liv is my girl,” says Amber. “We’ve come a long way since leaving the show and she’s always got my back. I can’t wait for her wedding!”
Former motorsport model Olivia has documented her upcoming nuptials to Blackburn Rovers footballer, Bradley Dack, in a spin-off series for ITV called Olivia Meets Her Match, but it hasn’t swayed Amber to follow suit.
She says, “Nick and I love each other, and we want to be together for the long haul, but we’ve said we’re both going to focus on work next year. We’re both so young, and we’ve got forever to do the engagement thing. We’re just taking every day as it comes.”
Pressed on whether she believes he’s The One, she admits, “I don’t want to jinx myself, but yes! I can’t see myself being with anyone else.”
Furthermore, the dancer has silenced any critics with her show-stopping performances in Proud Cabaret All Stars, and the musical Bring It On. Her role in 9 To 5 The Musical in 2019 saw her strike up a friendship with former Eternal singer Louise Redknapp, who was going through her divorce from ex-footballer husband Jamie at the time.
“I think we met at just the right time,” says Amber. “I was the little devil on her shoulder. We were chalk and cheese, but it worked in so many ways. She’s like my best friend and sister, and we still keep in touch.”
Despite being a former party girl, Amber ditched alcohol several months ago and hasn’t looked back since.
“I’m going into my tenth month alcohol-free, and I don’t miss it at all. I still party, but just without the booze, and I’ve got so much more energy. I’ve gone out more than ever over the last few months, but I’m the designated driver now,” she laughs.
Reflecting on her new and improved lifestyle, she continues, “Alcohol just wasn’t worth it. After drinking, it would take me three days to fully focus. I’m more motivated than ever and I can’t imagine going back to alcohol now. My skin feels better and so does my sleep – I could go on and on. And I love to party, so if I can give up, anyone can!”