Sheridan Smith's father loses battle with cancer

Sheridan Smith has cancelled her Royal Variety appearance on December 6 following the death of her beloved father Colin.

The ‘Funny Girl’ star’s dad – who accompanied his daughter to many of her opening nights and public events – had been battling cancer since March and has tragically passed away at the age of 80.

A statement from 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’ this Tuesday, December 6th. At this difficult time for Sheridan and her family we would ask that you please respect their privacy.”

Sheridan revealed to fans her dad was suffering from cancer earlier this year when she unexpectedly pulled out of her West End musical ‘Funny Girl’ for a few months.

After being insulted by a fan on Twitter for her absence, the 35-year-old actress said: “If you just found out your dad had cancer you wouldn’t be such a heartless human. Take care love.”

Her comment came just hours after she revealed that she had been delivered devastating news and was truly sorry she had to cancel her appearance.

She said at the time: “Had s*** news today, sorry I can’t make the show for you loyal fans. If you ask they give u tickets to the Savoy!”

She then went on to hint that she would quit the show for good unless she was given a pay rise so that she could give her father the best possible cancer care.

She hinted: “Decision made! Bye. Unless I get enough money to look after my dad.”

Colin’s tragic death comes 27 years after Sheridan’s beloved brother Julian died of cancer when he was just 18 years old – the actress was aged eight at the time.

Speaking about her loss last year, the blonde star said: “Of course I’ve been affected by my brother’s death… It makes me value life, cherish my loved ones and be grateful for every day I have with them. Cancer affects one in three of us and every single one of us either knows someone who has been affected by it or has experienced it first-hand. And yet it’s treated as a taboo subject.”

Sheridan was due to perform at the Royal Variety Performance held at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on December 6.