Sheridan Smith has contracted mumps.
The 35-year-old actress has been forced to pull out of the Bradford run of West End hit ‘Funny Girl’, in which she portrays Fanny Brice, at the Alhambra Theatre in West Yorkshire this week after she caught the highly contagious viral infection.
A statement released on Bradford Theatres’ official Twitter account said: "Following test results, it is confirmed that Sheridan Smith has contracted mumps and on doctor’s advice will not be able to perform in ‘Funny Girl’ at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford this week. The producers and company wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back as soon as possible.
"This week, the role of Fanny Brice will be played by Natasha J. Barnes who is currently sharing the role of Fanny Brice with Sheridan Smith on the UK Tour of ‘Funny Girl’."
This is the second time the blonde beauty has pulled out of the show as she missed weeks of the production in London this time last year due to "stress."
A statement said at the time: "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 – and we are looking forward to her return to the show in due course."
Natasha, again, stood in for her during that time and received rave reviews for her performance.
Sheridan has had somewhat of a tough time recently as she sadly lost her beloved father Colin at the age of 80 to cancer in December and was forced to cancel her performance at the ‘Royal Variety Show’ at the beginning of the festive season so that she could grieve for him.
Her representative said: "Sheridan’s much loved father sadly passed away this week. We can confirm that she will not be performing at the ‘Royal Variety Performance’ on December 6th. At this difficult time for Sheridan and her family we would ask that you please respect their privacy."
Sheridan Smith has mumps
