Amber Davies left shaking and 'gobsmacked' after theatre win

Amber Davies said she was left "gobsmacked" and shaking after winning a fan-voted prize at the WhatsOnStage Awards.

The Welsh performer gave a candid and humorous speech after being named best supporting performer in a musical for her portrayal of Jordan Baker in the London production of The Great Gatsby musical adaptation.

The WhatsOnStage theatre awards returned to The London Palladium on Sunday to celebrate its 26th year.

Davies, who attended Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph, Denbighshire, has embarked on a musical theatre career since winning the third series of ITV's Love Island in 2017.

Taking to the stage to accept the award, Davies, 29, appeared stunned by the result.

"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 paid tribute to the other nominees in the category, telling them she was "obsessed" with their work and describing herself as their "number one fan".

Thanking the creative team behind The Great Gatsby, Davies joked about how closely she related to 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."

The speech also turned personal as Davies acknowledged those closest to her, including fellow performer Natalie Paris and her partner, Ben Joyce.

"To my support system, I love you," she said, before pointing to her hand and adding jokingly: "I would just like to say 'I would like a ring, I would like a ring on my wedding finger'," a line referencing lyrics from British artist Raye's song Where Is My Husband!.

The WhatsOnStage Awards are among the most prominent theatre prizes in the UK decided entirely by public vote, reflecting the views of theatregoers rather than critics or industry panels.

Born in Denbigh, from a young age Davies performed in the school choir and competed at the Llangollen Eisteddfod before going to New York to perform in churches and chapels, as well as the famed LaGuardia High School which specialises in teaching performing arts.

Since then she has built a substantial West End and touring career, appearing in musical theatre productions including Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical, Back To The Future The Musical and The Great Gatsby.

Davies - who reached the Strictly Come Dancing final in 2025 - is currently starring as the lead, Elle Woods, in the 2026–2027 UK and Ireland tour of Legally Blonde The Musical.

Davies later reflected on the win in a post on Instagram, thanking fans who voted for her and describing herself as "gobsmacked."

"Jordan Baker we love you," she added.

She also described the ceremony as "one of the most memorable evenings ever", congratulating fellow nominees and winners and noting the event coincided with International Women's Day.