3:59pm UK, Thursday July 24, 2003

Reese Witherspoon was in full bloom at the UK premiere of her latest blockbuster film Legally Blonde 2.

180 Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon

The American actress, who is the star and executive producer of the sequel, arrived at Warner Village West End Cinema in Leicester Square, with her husband Ryan Phillippe.

The 27-year-old was dressed in a white Prada maternity dress and red sash.

"It's great for me because I'm a mother and it's a great film for young women," she said.

"The character is glamorous, fun, but she's also very serious about her career."

It was Witherspoon's debut as executive producer of her film and she said she was similar to Elle Woods, the character she plays in Legally Blonde 2.

"She loves bringing a new perspective to very traditional careers.

"The first movie dealt with stereotyping. This movie carries on that message and tells people you cannot judge a book by its cover."

Asked whether blondes have more fun, she replied: "I don't have a comparison as I have only ever been blonde."

Witherspoon, who has a three-year-old daughter and is expecting her second child in December, said it was great to be in London for the premiere.

"It's great to be here. I have never been to the UK before. I'm just glad it didn't rain."

Among the star-studded guest list for the premiere were Richard E Grant, Girls Aloud, The Cheeky Girls, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Kym Marsh.

Witherspoon plays the pink-loving blonde who conquered Harvard Law School in the first film, Legally Blonde, and in the sequel is now a rising young lawyer at a top firm.