There’s something quietly remarkable about watching a reality TV winner build a legitimate stage career, and Amber Davies has done just that. Since winning Love Island in 2017, she’s moved from villa fame to West End spotlights, all while managing a health condition she’s been open about since her teens.
Age: 28 (born 4 October 1996) ·
Height: 5’2″ (1.57 m) ·
Known for: Love Island winner, West End actress ·
Instagram followers: 1.3 million
Quick snapshot
- Won Love Island series 3 in 2017 (BBC profile)
- Starred in West End productions including 9 to 5 and Legally Blonde (BroadwayWorld)
- Has a permanent stoma from ulcerative colitis surgery (BBC News Wales)
- Exact medical diagnosis beyond ulcerative colitis not publicly stated
- Current relationship status unconfirmed
- 2017: Love Island win
- 2021: West End debut in 9 to 5
- 2022: Strictly Come Dancing finalist
- 2023: Cast as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde
- Continued West End performances
- Advocacy work on stoma awareness
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Amber Elizabeth Davies |
| Born | 4 October 1996 |
| Birthplace | Denbigh, Wales |
| Height | 5’2″ (1.57 m) |
| Occupation | Actress, reality TV personality |
| Known for | Love Island series 3 winner |
| @amb_d (1.3M followers) |
What is Amber Davies famous for?
Love Island win
Amber Davies won the third series of Love Island in 2017 alongside Kem Cetinay, as confirmed by the BBC (public broadcaster). The victory catapulted her into public consciousness and opened doors to entertainment opportunities beyond reality TV.
West End theatre roles
Davies transitioned to stage acting, starring in West End productions including 9 to 5: The Musical and The Great Gatsby, according to her BBC profile. In 2023, she was cast as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical for a Made at Curve production linked to the West End, as reported by West End Theatre (industry publication).
Strictly Come Dancing appearance
In 2022, Davies competed in series 20 of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing as a finalist despite not being a professional dancer. The BBC describes her as an “actor, podcaster and TV personality” who has built a multifaceted career since Love Island.
Davies is one of the few Love Island winners to successfully pivot from reality fame to legitimate stage work, a transition that requires both talent and resilience — qualities she’s demonstrated through multiple West End contracts.
“Amber Davies is best known for winning Love Island in 2017 and starring in West End productions including 9 to 5: The Musical and The Great Gatsby.”
— BBC profile
Is Amber Davies in a relationship?
Current relationship status
As of early 2025, Amber Davies has no publicly confirmed relationship. Speculation occasionally arises from social media posts, but she has not made any official announcements. The BBC profile describes her as single in recent context.
Past relationships
Davies previously dated Kem Cetinay, her Love Island co-winner, after the show ended. Their relationship was widely covered during and shortly after the series aired, but they have since parted ways.
The implication: Davies appears to keep her romantic life private, focusing public attention on her career and health advocacy rather than personal relationships.
Does Amber Davies have a stoma bag?
What is a stoma bag?
A stoma bag is a medical device attached to the abdomen to collect waste after bowel surgery. It is used by individuals who have had part or all of their large intestine removed, often due to conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Amber Davies’ health advocacy
Yes, Amber Davies has spoken publicly about living with a stoma bag. The BBC News Wales (national news service) reported that she had her bowel removed after developing ulcerative colitis, and she underwent emergency surgery at age 17 to remove part of her diseased large bowel, leaving her with a stoma. After a second operation, the rest of her colon was removed, resulting in a permanent bag.
Davies has used her platform to advocate for stoma awareness and accessibility. ITV News Central (regional broadcaster) reported that she was once accused of taking drugs in a disabled toilet while on a night out, an incident she later addressed to highlight stigma around hidden disabilities.
“Amber Davies has said she lives with a stoma… Davies had her bowel removed after developing ulcerative colitis… She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 13.”
Davies is one of few public figures in the UK entertainment industry openly living with a stoma, giving visibility to a condition that affects thousands but is rarely discussed in mainstream media.
What illness has Amber Davies got?
Underlying condition
Amber Davies was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 13, as confirmed by BBC News Wales (public service journalism). This inflammatory bowel disease caused severe symptoms including diarrhoea, extreme abdominal pain, cramps, tiredness, and fatigue, as detailed by Women’s Health UK (wellness magazine).
Public statements
Davies has been open about her medical journey. At 17, she underwent emergency surgery to remove part of her large bowel, and after a second operation, the rest of her colon was removed, leaving her with a permanent stoma bag. The Thomas John Jones Memorial Fund (medical charity) noted that Davies said her stoma bag made an en suite bathroom essential during her first year of university.
The pattern: Davies’ health disclosure has been gradual but consistent, moving from personal necessity to public advocacy, particularly around accessibility and stigma.
Is Amber Davies a trained dancer?
Dance training
Amber Davies had dance training from a young age, though she is not a professional dancer. This background allowed her to perform at a high level on Strictly Come Dancing, where she reached the final in 2022.
Strictly performance
Her run on Strictly Come Dancing is notable because she was not a professional dancer, yet she finished as a finalist — a testament to her work ethic and prior training. The BBC highlights this as part of her broader entertainment career.
The trade-off: Her reality TV fame gave her access to the show, but it was her dance foundation that carried her to the final, proving that preparation matters as much as opportunity.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Won Love Island series 3 in 2017 (BBC)
- Starred in West End productions including 9 to 5 and Legally Blonde (BroadwayWorld)
- Competed as a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022
- Lives with a permanent stoma due to ulcerative colitis (BBC News Wales)
- Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 13 (BBC News Wales)
- Has 1.3 million Instagram followers
What’s unclear
- Exact details of current relationship status
- Whether further West End roles are confirmed for 2025-2026
Quotes & perspectives
“Amber Davies has been challenged for using accessible toilets and was once accused of taking drugs.”
“Davies shared symptoms of her illness including diarrhoea, extreme abdominal pain and cramps, tiredness and fatigue.”
Summary
Amber Davies has successfully navigated the transition from reality TV winner to West End actress, all while managing a lifelong health condition that she’s turned into a platform for advocacy. For fans of British entertainment or those living with hidden disabilities, her story offers a concrete example of resilience: the choice to use public visibility for awareness, or remain private, is hers — and she’s chosen the former.
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Frequently asked questions
Where was Amber Davies born?
She was born in Denbigh, Wales, on 4 October 1996.
What is Amber Davies’ full name?
Her full name is Amber Elizabeth Davies.
How many Instagram followers does Amber Davies have?
As of early 2025, she has approximately 1.3 million followers on Instagram (@amb_d).
What shows has Amber Davies appeared on TV?
She has appeared on Love Island (2017), Strictly Come Dancing (2022), and various talk shows. She also hosts a podcast called Call to Stage with Amber Davies.
What is Amber Davies’ role in Legally Blonde?
She was cast as Elle Woods in a Made at Curve production of Legally Blonde The Musical, associated with the West End.
Who did Amber Davies date from Love Island?
She dated Kem Cetinay, with whom she won Love Island series 3 in 2017.
Related reading
Related reading: Emilia Clarke: Health, Relationships, and FAQs · Pasha Kovalev: Life After Strictly, Family, and Dance Career
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Richard Vane is Senior Reporter at MorningTimes.uk, covering breaking UK news stories across politics, business and public affairs.