Both Amber and Lewis have years of stage experience between them

Strictly Come Dancing stars Amber Davies and Lewis Cope have had their “unfair” professional dance training dismissed by a former show pro.

Vincent Simone, who took part in the BBC dance show between 2006 and 2012, defended the pair amid complaints from critics.

The Italian dancer has hit back at suggestions that Amber and Lewis’ professional performance experience puts them at an advantage in the ballroom.

Amber has enjoyed a glittering career in the West End after her stint on Love Island in 2017. Meanwhile, Lewis has appeared in Billy Elliot the Musical, and competed in Sky One’s Got to Dance competition show.

Strictly pro defends Amber Davies and Lewis Cope

Backing the pair, Vincent insisted to Paddy Power Games that there has always been people “with theatre training” on Strictly Come Dancing. He said: “When I was on the show, we always had people with some dance or theatre training.

“I danced with Louisa Lytton, who came from an acting and stage background, and we competed against people like Emma Bunton – there have always been trained performers. But that doesn’t mean they’ll be good at ballroom or Latin.”
Vincent Simone was on Strictly Come Dancing between 2006 and 2012 (Credit: ITV)
Amber and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, finished last weekend’s show at the top of the combined Week 1 and Week 2 leaderboard. The pair performed a Samba and received widespread praise from the judges, plus a score of 56.

Lewis and his partner, Katya Jones, performed a Viennese Waltz. They finished in second place, with one less mark than Amber and Nikita.

Vincent continued: “It’s a completely different discipline. They add value to the show by bringing a certain level of performance. Amber Davies, for example, has been incredible – that Samba with Nikita was spectacular.

“You could get someone with the same level of training, and they might not deliver like she does. She’s naturally talented and works hard. I don’t think it’s unfair. It just makes the show more entertaining and gives the pros more to work with creatively,” the professional added.

Who is at risk on Strictly Come Dancing?

Viewers said goodbye The Apprentice’s Tom Skinner and Amy Dowden on Strictly Come Dancing last weekend. They were in a dance-off with rugby star Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova. The judges unanimously voted to save Chris and Nadiya.

As a result, Chris and Nadiya have made it through to this weekend’s Movie Week – and Vincent has predicted who will be going home by the end of it.

“If I had to pick, I think Ross [King] could be in trouble again unless something magical happens with his next routine,” he said.

“He’s got the public behind him, and this show isn’t just about dancing anymore – it’s a popularity contest too. If the votes keep him safe, I think Chris might be the one to watch in the danger zone next.”

Latest Strictly leaderboard

Amber and Nikita currently lead the leaderboard with a total of 56 points, closely followed by Lewis and Katya with 55 points. In third place are social media star George Clarke and Alexis Warr with 54 points. Showbiz correspondent Ross and Jowita Pryzstal sit at the bottom with a combined total of 25 points.
Strictly Come Dancing is in its third week next weekend with Movie Week (Credit: BBC)
“Looking at the leaderboard, you can see the couples towards the bottom – Stefan Dennis, Chris Robshaw, Tom Skinner, and Ross King – they’re the ones most at risk,” Vincent said. “It really depends on what dance they get next.

“Some people shine in certain styles and struggle in others. I’d say other that Tom, who was eliminated, any of the others could be in the danger zone next week.”

Movie Week on Strictly Come Dancing

Fans are excitedly awaiting this weekend’s Movie Week. Viewers can look forward to routines inspired by Barbie Movie, The Sound of Music, and K-Pop Demon Hunters. With some of the songs and films already revealed, it should be a good show.