West End star Amber Davies has taken another unexpected break from the Legally Blonde musical, merely a day after making her highly anticipated return to the stage. The 29-year-old Strictly Come Dancing alum, who portrays the lead role of Elle Woods in the popular musical adaptation, had previously been forced to take a fortnight off due to a severe chest infection.
Health Concerns Prompt Further Absence
Amber Davies made her comeback performance on Tuesday, but was notably absent from the show the following evening. In a candid update shared on her Instagram account, the actress revealed that her doctor had advised her to 'walk before she can run' as she continues to recover from her lingering illness.
Alongside a backstage photograph, Amber penned an explanatory message to her concerned fans: 'Before returning back as Elle after being so poorly the dr told me to "walk before I run". We decided to eliminate one show this week so I have the full day to recoup.'
She continued with specific details about her schedule: 'So I will not be performing in todays matinee. I will be back tonight & Saturday will be my first matinee back. Easing in with 6 shows this week & back to my usual 7 shows next week!! I HAVE NO WORDS FOR LAST NIGHT ITS SO GOOD TO BE BACK!'
Addressing the Feud Speculation
When Amber Davies is not performing, her understudy Hannah Lowther assumes the coveted role of Elle Woods. However, recent weeks have seen persistent rumours circulating about a supposed feud between the two performers, which both actresses have been compelled to address publicly.
Taking to social media platforms, Amber Davies directly confronted the speculation: 'Just to clear things up, I’m not leaving Legally, I’m not taking a break & there is no feud… I’m simply just finishing off a set of antibiotics for a chest infection that’s been lingering for over a month...'
She elaborated on the physical demands of theatrical performance: 'What we love and choose to do as a career is so unbelievably taxing on the body, and we are very much not invincible. Sickness happens, we are human. And disappointed to see a narrative ran on women who work their ASSES OFF.'
Amber concluded her statement with words of support for her colleague: 'I will be back on stage as soon as I possibly can. I love my @legallyblondeshow company so much and very grateful to have such a supportive team especially @hannahlowther.'
Understudy Responds to Rumours
Italia Conti Academy-trained Hannah Lowther, who has amassed 1.3 million followers on TikTok, has reportedly been at the centre of behind-the-scenes tensions. Some theatre peers have suggested that Hannah might be 'a million times better' in the role, as recently revealed by industry sources.
Hannah Lowther subsequently took to Instagram to dispel any rumours of discord, with Amber Davies promptly showing her support in the comments section. Sharing a clip of herself preparing her hair before a performance, Hannah captioned the video: 'One day I hope that we will be able to live in a world where women aren't pit against each other and compared ALL the time...'
She continued with a poignant message: 'A world where we can all succeed, thrive or just simply exist without people trying to tear us down.' Alongside the clip, she added: 'Exhausting actually…please be kind', expressing her frustration with the ongoing speculation.
Production Challenges and Fan Reactions
Meanwhile, the Legally Blonde production itself has faced considerable challenges and criticism from disappointed theatregoers as sickness has plagued the cast over recent weeks. Fans who purchased tickets for performances in Milton Keynes expressed particular upset after learning that the show would be transformed into a 'concert' rendition.
This unconventional format change occurred because multiple cast members were unwell and unable to perform normally. Footage shared on TikTok showed production managers informing audiences that, with some performers stepping in at the last minute, the show would consist of cast members sitting together on stage delivering lines and musical numbers directly from scripts.
All scene changes and costume transitions were eliminated from these particular performances. While some understanding fans praised production bosses for finding an innovative way to avoid cancelling shows entirely, other disappointed patrons complained that this was not the full theatrical experience they had purchased tickets to see.
The ongoing health issues within the cast have created significant logistical challenges for the production team, who must balance performer welfare with audience expectations. The situation highlights the physical demands of sustained theatrical performances and the vulnerability of productions to illness among principal cast members.
