Love Islander channels online criticism in new role

A Strictly Come Dancing finalist and Love Island winner says she has channelled criticism she received online into playing the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

A musical adaptation of the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon will see Amber Davies play Woods, who after enrolling in Harvard Law School is repeatedly underestimated by her peers.

Davies, who is set to perform at Brighton's Theatre Royal, says she can see the parallels between herself and Woods.

She said: "I did a lot of having to prove myself in the start of my career, especially when it came to cast announcement days. I thought, 'everybody online, what are they going to say?'."

This worry came as she made the transition from Love Island winner in 2017 to West End performer and actor.

Admitting the Love Island experience had been "weighing heavily" on her shoulders, Davies' attitude towards the TV show has now changed.

She said: "I actually think winning Love Island is iconic...it's iconic, and I should wear it on my chest."

The actress also faced online criticism during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing last year, with some suggesting that her performing background gave her an advantage.

For Davies, the reality was very different.

"Nothing will be as hard as doing a Samba on national television," she said.

Though a chastening experience, the 30-year-old said it helped her prepare for the role of Woods.

"I was so out of my comfort zone, so when I went into rehearsals for Elle, it completely changed my perspective [and] actually, I am so comfortable in this rehearsal room," she said.

The north Wales native said she couldn't wait to perform in Brighton over the festive period.

"We're going to have Christmas dinner here [in Brighton], it's going to be a beautiful way to end the tour," Davies added.

Legally Blonde The Musical will run at the Theatre Royal from 15 December until 2 January, 2027.

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