Amber Davies Withdraws from Legally Blonde Amid Illness and Backstage Tension Speculation
Amber Davies has officially pulled out of her starring role in the UK tour of Legally Blonde, citing a persistent illness that has hampered her recovery. The 29-year-old actress, best known for winning Love Island and reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing in December, announced her departure via Instagram, explaining that continuing to perform while unwell was detrimental to her health.
Health Concerns Force Exit from Elle Woods Role
In a heartfelt post, Davies revealed she has been battling a lingering illness for over a month, despite taking antibiotics. She expressed frustration at trying to recover while maintaining the demanding schedule of the musical, stating, "This is the last thing I want but there's no other way. I fear if I keep 'pushing through' I will be battling with this for longer than I need to be." Davies reflected on her hectic recent months, which included roles in stage adaptations of The Great Gatsby and a last-minute stint on Strictly, suggesting her body was "fighting for its life."
Rumours of Backstage Tension with Understudy Hannah Lowther
As Davies steps away, rumours have emerged of backstage tension between her and her understudy, Hannah Lowther. Lowther, a social media star who gained fame on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic, will now take over the lead role of Elle Woods for the foreseeable future. Insiders told the Daily Mail that audiences have reportedly preferred Lowther's portrayal, describing her as having "ten times more energy" and a "sparkle" that Davies lacks, leading to a tense atmosphere behind the scenes.
Hannah Lowther Steps into the Spotlight
Hannah Lowther, who normally plays the supporting role of Margot in the production, has been covering for Davies during her scheduled weekly breaks. With over one million followers on TikTok, Lowther previously worked at Tesco before transitioning to musical theatre, with credits including Six and SpongeBob: The Musical. Despite the rumours, Lowther has publicly praised Davies, calling her "the sweetest, loveliest human being in the world" and expressing admiration for her Strictly performance.
Past Incidents and Professional Dynamics
The tension rumours follow a viral video from earlier in the tour, where Davies appeared to forget dance moves during a finale and looked to Lowther for support. Davies later commented on the incident, calling it "embarrassing" and noting it would linger in the public domain. The musical, adapted from the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, has seen notable British actresses like Sheridan Smith and Lucie Jones in the lead role, adding to the pressure of the current situation.
As the tour continues, fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how the cast dynamics evolve and whether Davies returns to the stage once she recovers. For now, the show must go on with Hannah Lowther at the helm, bringing her own energy to the iconic role of Elle Woods.
