Carley Stenson wins 'Legally Blonde' lead role

[Perdita]

Former soap star Carley Stenson will take over the lead role on the West End production of Legally Blonde, The Musical from July.

Stenson joined the production in October last year as supporting character Margot, but will now replace departing actress Susan McFadden as main character Elle Woods.

The actress will be joined in her run by Lee Mead, who is to replace Alex Gaumond as Woods's main love interest Emmett Forrest from June 20.

Stenson and Mead will round out a returning cast including the likes of Nicola Brazil, Emma Bateman, Natalie Casey, Peter Davison and Siobhan Dillon.

Stenson is best known for playing Steph Cunningham on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks for ten years, before announcing her decision to quit the show in June 2010.

The actress made her final regular appearance on the soap in November last year, and previously admitted that she had always wanted to pursue a career in musical theatre.

Stenson will take over the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, The Musical from July 11.

[Katy]

shell be fantastic! what a great role for her!

[Perdita]

Carly Stenson's former Hollyoaks co-stars have publicly congratulated the actress over her success in the West End.

Yesterday, it was announced that Stenson is to take over the lead role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, The Musical from July.

Stenson, who played Hollyoaks' Steph Roach for a decade, has already been part of the production since October last year, appearing as supporting character Margot.

Writing on Twitter last night, the star's former colleague and ex-boyfriend Ricky Whittle commented: "Huge congrats to @carleystenson the most talented girl I know becoming the lead in West End's amazing show Legally Blonde from July. Deserved!!"

He added: "@carleystenson an inspiration to all! Achieving her dreams of playin the lead in the West End! Gonna be one of the greats! Unbelievable talent. (sic)"

Sarah Jayne Dunn, who plays Mandy Richardson on the soap, said: "Congrats to my beautiful friend @carleystenson who is taking over as Elle in #legallyblonde go see her!!!"

Bronagh Waugh - Cheryl Brady in the show - tweeted Stenson to say: "Baby!!! Well done!!!!! Hurrah!! Knew u'd ace it!!! Big love from uuup North from the Oakers!!! Love ya."

Ashley Margolis (Ricky Campbell) and Melissa Walton, who played Loretta Jones, also tweeted support for the actress.

Stenson departed Hollyoaks late last year, when her character was killed in the Il Gnosh fire.