Amber Davies lands iconic Elle Woods lead in Legally Blonde revival for UK stages

Amber Davies, the Love Island alumna, has landed the lead role of Elle Woods in a Legally Blonde revival, announced for the UK stage set to open in February 2026. The production will begin at Curve in Leicester before touring nationally through 2027, bringing the Harvard Law School student to theaters across multiple cities in the coming years.

In a clip shared to Instagram on Thursday, Davies dressed head-to-toe in pink as Elle, complete with the beloved on-screen dog Bruiser, signaling a full-throated celebration of the casting. The 28-year-old actress, who rose to fame on Love Island in 2017, has since built a career on stage after training at the Urdang Academy.

Davies has been steadily raising her profile on stage, most recently starring in the West End musical The Great Gatsby, which ran at the London Coliseum from April 16 to September 7. The show reimagined F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic story with high-glamour production values, helping Davies to transition from reality TV notoriety to the professional theater circuit.

Legally Blonde, released as a 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods, a sorority student who follows her ex to Harvard Law School and proves her intellectual mettle in a high-profile murder trial. The film spawned sequels and a Tony-nominated Broadway musical, cementing Elle Woods as a lasting cultural touchstone. The revival announcement places Davies at the center of a renewed wave of interest in the property as stage producers revisit the show for contemporary audiences.

Reese Witherspoon has long reflected on the impact of the character she popularized. In 2021, she wrote about how fans continue to tell stories of Elle Woods inspiring them to pursue their dreams and even to study law, noting that playing the role was a transformative experience. The revival frame, however, centers on Davies’s interpretation and the next chapter in Elle Woods’s story, with the UK tour expected to visit major cities through 2027.

Meanwhile, industry observers have noted that a third Legally Blonde film has been rumored to be in development, citing listings on IMDB and coverage by Good Morning America. Those reports, however, have not translated into an announced release date, and producers have not confirmed progress beyond discussion. The original film’s legacy—along with the Broadway musical—continues to influence new adaptations and stage iterations, even as new performers bring their own takes to the beloved heroine.

Davies spoke directly to fans about the casting, expressing gratitude for the support and enthusiasm online. “This response, obviously I am sobbing. This is a dream!!!! Thank you EVERYONE FOR EVERY MESSAGE EVERY COMMENT EVERY LIKE & REPOST. You lot are the BEST,” she said in a message to followers. In separate remarks, she added, “I am so overwhelmed with this response. I promise you Elle is in such safe hands with me. I'm so excited to be touring her. She's a dream role, you know.” Davies also told supporters that she planned to tour Elle across the UK and Ireland, expressing gratitude and promising to bring the character to life on stage.

The February 2026 launch at Curve Leicester marks a recalibration of Legally Blonde for the UK market, with an accompanying schedule to bring the show to venues across the country over the next two years. Producers have indicated that additional casting and tour stops will be announced in the months ahead as tickets go on sale and venues prepare for the production’s arrival. The revival seeks to honor the 2001 film’s legacy while presenting a fresh interpretation for contemporary audiences, balancing nostalgia with new creative direction.

As Davies takes on Elle Woods, audiences will be watching a performer who has navigated the transition from television reality fame to professional theater, delivering a role that has both iconic status and ongoing relevance in stage and screen culture. With the tour slated to run through 2027, the production promises to bring a blend of classic charm and modern sensibility to UK audiences seeking a high-energy, high-glamour musical experience.