Amber Davies Firmly Denies Rumors of Backstage Rivalry with Legally Blonde Understudy
Amber Davies has emphatically shut down widespread speculation about a supposed backstage feud with her Legally Blonde understudy, Hannah Lowther. The reports emerged after illness forced Davies to step away from performances in the touring production of the popular musical.
Social Media Statement Addresses Feud Rumors Directly
The former Love Island winner, who portrays Elle Woods in the stage adaptation of the 2001 film, took to Instagram on Thursday to directly address the circulating rumors. Davies praised Lowther extensively and insisted the show remains in capable hands during her recovery period.
"An extra special appreciate message to @hannahlowther who has given me all the grace and space to be poorly and recover," Davies wrote in her social media post. "The show is in safe hands ALWAYS."
Speculation about tensions between the two performers began circulating earlier this week following a report suggesting there had been a 'backstage rivalry' between the leading lady and her understudy. Some sources had even suggested Lowther was 'a million times better' in the role.
Health Challenges Force Performance Changes
Davies revealed she is currently on sick leave and taking antibiotics as she attempts to recover from flu and a persistent cough that has been lingering for more than a month. The 29-year-old performer had already been forced to leave Wednesday evening's performance early after falling ill mid-show, with Lowther stepping in to perform the second half as Elle Woods.
"Cannot wait to be back on stage with my legally family," Davies wrote. "The DR has just given me a different set of antibiotics to get this cough gone (which has been lingering for over a month now... has anyone else had this)?!"
"I'm very much doing everything I can to be back on stage as soon as I can! I haven't had the flu since Covid which was six years ago!! So I knew it was coming to get me at some point."
Performance Cancellations and Understudy Stepping Up
The disruption continued the following day when the musical's Thursday matinee performance at Milton Keynes Theatre was cancelled just two hours before curtain-up, leaving some fans frustrated. The venue confirmed the cancellation in a statement shared on Instagram.
"This afternoon's matinee performance of Legally Blonde has unfortunately been cancelled due to cast illness," the statement read. "All ticket holders have been contacted via email regarding alternative options to see the production or receive a refund. This evening's performance will go ahead as scheduled."
Lowther, who is trained at the Italia Conti Academy and has built a following of more than 1.3 million on TikTok, later confirmed that she would be stepping into the lead role for the evening show. "I will be playing Elle for this evening's show," she told fans on Instagram Stories.
Understanding the Performance Schedule
Understudies typically perform the role of Elle Woods during Thursday matinees on the tour, but it is believed the afternoon performance was cancelled to allow Lowther time to rest before taking on the evening show. This scheduling consideration demonstrates the production's commitment to performer welfare despite the performance disruptions.
Exhausting Work Schedule Contributed to Illness
Davies had previously opened up about the intense run of work that may have contributed to her illness. She explained that a packed schedule—including her appearance in The Great Gatsby, a last-minute call-up to Strictly Come Dancing, and immediately beginning rehearsals for Legally Blonde—had taken a significant toll on her health.
Despite the current disruption to performances and the circulating rumors about backstage tensions, Davies remains determined to recover quickly and return to the stage. Her public statements emphasize support for her understudy and commitment to the production, directly countering narratives of rivalry or conflict between the performers.
The situation highlights the physical demands of touring theater productions and the importance of understudies in maintaining show continuity when lead performers face health challenges. Davies' transparent communication about her recovery process and her public praise for Lowther's professionalism serves to strengthen audience confidence in the production's quality regardless of which performer appears on stage.
