Sheridan Smith pulls out of Funny Girl performance for third consecutive night

Sheridan Smith has pulled out of Funny Girl for a third consecutive night.

The award-winning British actress, who apologised ‘profusely’ to fans on Monday, will not appear on stage again on Wednesday.

In a statement posted to their official Twitter account, the Savoy Theatre confirmed that understudy Natasha J Barnes would be stepping in.

It read: “Due to the indisposition of Sheridan Smith, Fanny Brice will be played by Natasha J Barnes at today’s matinee & evening perfs of Funny Girl.”

They later tweeted to say that Barnes had received a ‘lovely’ welcome during her matinee performance and a ‘standing ovation’.

“A lovely audience welcome for @natashajbarnes at the top of today's @FunnyGirl_UK matinee, and a well deserved standing ovation at the end!”

Smith, 34, admitted to being upset by negative comments in the press following her appearance at the BAFTA TV Awards on Sunday evening.

She wrote on Twitter: “Well done press! U let down me, the cast & everyone who spent money to see me. I apologise profusely. Sorry! Sorry I’m not strong enough.”

The actress, who was nominated for a BAFTA for her role in The C Word, went on to say:

“When will u stop bullying? I had the best night in memory of my girl @LisaLynch.”