Amber Davies Reacts to WhatsOnStage Award Win
Amber Davies expressed that she was left "gobsmacked" and shaking after receiving a fan-voted accolade at the WhatsOnStage Awards.
The Welsh actress delivered a candid and humorous acceptance speech upon being named best supporting performer in a musical for her role as Jordan Baker in the London staging of The Great Gatsby musical adaptation.
The WhatsOnStage theatre awards celebrated their 26th year with a return to The London Palladium on Sunday.
Career Background and Award Acceptance
Davies, who attended Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph, Denbighshire, has pursued a musical theatre career following her victory in the third series of ITV's Love Island in 2017.
When accepting the award, Davies, aged 29, appeared visibly surprised by the outcome.
"I wasn't expecting this, I'm tipsy. I'm really tipsy,"
she joked to the audience.
"I'm shaking, I wasn't expecting this."
She also acknowledged the other nominees in the category, expressing admiration for their work and describing herself as their "number one fan."
Tributes and Personal Remarks
Davies thanked the creative team behind The Great Gatsby and humorously noted the similarities between herself and the character she portrayed.
"To the team of Great Gatsby, thank you for trusting me with Jordan Baker.
"I mean, the character breakdown was that she loves to party and white narcissistic men piss her off. And I didn't have to act - at all. I didn't."
Her speech also included personal acknowledgments to those close to her, including fellow performer Natalie Paris and her partner, Ben Joyce.
"To my support system, I love you,"
she said, before adding with a smile while pointing to her hand:
"I would just like to say 'I would like a ring, I would like a ring on my wedding finger',"
a reference to lyrics from British artist Raye's song Where Is My Husband!
Significance of the WhatsOnStage Awards
The WhatsOnStage Awards are among the UK's most prominent theatre prizes, determined entirely by public vote, reflecting the opinions of theatregoers rather than critics or industry panels.
Early Life and Education
Born in Denbigh, Davies performed in her school choir and competed at the Llangollen Eisteddfod from a young age. She later traveled to New York to perform in churches and chapels and attended the renowned LaGuardia High School, which specializes in performing arts education.
Professional Theatre Career
Since then, Davies has established a significant career in West End and touring productions, appearing in musicals such as Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical, Back To The Future The Musical, and The Great Gatsby.
She reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, partnering with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
Currently, Davies stars as the lead character Elle Woods in the 2026–2027 UK and Ireland tour of Legally Blonde The Musical.
Post-Award Reflections
Following the ceremony, Davies shared her thoughts on Instagram, thanking fans who voted for her and describing herself as "gobsmacked."
"Jordan Baker we love you,"
she added.
She also called the event "one of the most memorable evenings ever," congratulated fellow nominees and winners, and noted that the ceremony coincided with International Women's Day.
