Amber Davies has opened up about taking time out from Legally Blonde The Musical after suffering burnout, and her surprise at the backlash that followed.
Davies, 29, plays Elle Woods in the UK touring production based on the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.
She sparked concern earlier this month when she was replaced mid-show by understudy Hannah Lowther, who performed the role for a further fortnight while Davies recovered on doctors’ orders.
Lowther, who is a TikTok favourite with more than 1.3 million followers, plays Margot while also covering Elle. She has been widely praised for her performance, with some fans saying they preferred her take, leading to talk of a “feud” between the actresses.
Footage from an early preview performance had already circulated online, appearing to show Davies briefly losing track of the choreography before glancing at Lowther and copying her movements. She later described the moment as “embarrassing”.
Davies returned to the stage last Tuesday, but was absent the following night as she continued her recovery.
Speaking to the Standard on the red carpet at the Kinky Boots West End opening gala, the former Love Island winner-turned-West End performer said she is now recovering and back on stage.
“I’m so much better now. I just fully, fully crashed. I was burnt out,” she said.
“I don’t think I’ve been like that since Covid, so I was looking at the clock — I knew it was coming.”
Addressing the backlash, she admitted she had been taken aback.
“It was the first time that has ever happened to me. I’ve been working in this business for nearly a decade — I’ve never had to take time out for sickness before.”
Asked whether there was any truth to reports of a feud with Lowther, she insisted the pair are on good terms.
“It’s all good,” she said.
“I literally love Legally Blonde so much. The audiences are amazing, so receptive and it’s just a beautiful show with a beautiful message.”
St Martin’s Lane was shut down and transformed into a glamorous catwalk, complete with a DJ, to celebrate Kinky Boots’ new West End run, which is on for a limited season at the London Coliseum until July 11.
The musical follows a struggling shoe factory owner who crosses paths with a drag queen, and features music by Cyndi Lauper.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe and former X Factor winner Matt Cardle star in the leading roles, and were joined by Dame Joan Collins, Dame Arlene Phillips, Graham Norton and Christopher Biggins for the high-energy celebration.
A host of Strictly professionals and former contestants were in attendance, including Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Luba Mushtuk, Annabel Croft, Jay McGuinness, Dr Ranj Singh and Bruno Tonioli, Lewis Cope, Alexandra Burke and Alex Kingston.
Ariyon Bakare, Shabaz Ali and Charley Marlowe were among the other guests.
