Now Sheridan is quitting stage for month with stress
SHERIDAN Smith will not appear again in the title role in Funny Girl for up to a month.
She is taking the break from the West End show to recover from what producers called “stress and exhaustion”.
Miss Smith, 34, had already missed three shows this week when the announcement was made.
Her father was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and she was reportedly deeply upset not to win Best Actress at Sunday’s Baftas television awards ceremony for her role as cancer blogger Lisa Lynch in the BBC drama The C-Word.
Sheridan failed to appear in Funny Girl the following night and later accused disgruntled fans of “bullying” her.
Producers said in a statement yesterday: “Sheridan Smith will be taking a leave of absence from Funny Girl due to stress and exhaustion.
“The entire team at Funny Girl is thinking of Sheridan, and know she is getting the rest and support she needs during this difficult and stressful time.
“We will all miss her enormously and send her our love and best wishes. We are looking forward to her return to the show in due course.”
Widely praised understudy Natasha Barnes will replace her.
Some fans were angry at Miss Smith’s withdrawal, demanding refunds for their tickets, which cost up to £100.
Tara Wavre tweeted: “How disappointing, she has let everyone down again”, and Gill Taylor wrote: “So unprofessional. You owe refunds to everyone who booked specially to see Sheridan Smith.”
But Big Brother host Rylan ClarkNeal tweeted: “Everyone needs to leave her alone. She is one of the biggest talents and is hurting at the moment. Stay strong girl.”
BBC Radio 1’s Chris Stark said yesterday: “Sad to see people having a go at Sheridan Smith. I think she’s a legend... I don’t get it. One of our best actors. Deserves support, right?”
The show’s run is due to continue at the Savoy Theatre until October 8.
Miss Smith, who was given an OBE last year, has described the part of Fanny in Funny Girl as her “dream role”.