Sheridan Smith is mourning the loss of her father Colin, who has passed away at the age of 80. The actress' spokesperson confirmed the news in a statement, adding that Sheridan has pulled out of the Royal Variety Performance as a result.
"Sheridan's much loved father sadly passed away this week," the statement read. "We can confirm that she will not be performing at the Royal Variety Performance this Tuesday 6th December. At this difficult time for Sheridan and her family we would ask that you please respect their privacy."
© Photo: Getty ImagesColin Smith passed away at the age of 80 after battling cancer
The 35-year-old stage star was forced to reveal that her father was battling cancer in March. She had missed some of her Funny Girl performances on the West End, leaving some fans disappointed. Sheridan explained that her absence was due to her father's cancer diagnosis, and that she would personally reimburse ticket holders.
"If you just found out your dad had cancer you wouldn't be such a heartless human. Take care love," she replied to one frustrated fan. She wrote to another: "Hate missing shows but pappa needs me."
Sheridan also hinted that she would quit the show for good unless she was given a pay raise so she could take care of her elderly father. The actress was signed off for two months for "stress and exhaustion" but returned to her role in July.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe actress has cancelled her Royal Variety Performance appearance next week
The Lincolnshire-born star also lost her brother Julian to cancer when he was 18. Last year Sheridan played breast cancer sufferer Lisa Lynch in the heart-breaking TV drama The C Word, for which she received a BAFTA nomination.
Speaking to The Telegraph about shaving her head and eyebrows for the role, she said: "It did upset me a little bit at the time, but it's just hair – it'll grow back. And The C Word is about such an amazing woman. Everyone is affected by cancer, and I lost my eldest brother to it, so, although of course you feel like you've lost a bit of your femininity, I feel it's the least I could do."
