Theatre legend Dame Arlene Phillips has slammed Alison Hammond after she criticised theatre staff for banning singing during performances.
On Friday’s (April 7) This Morning Alison discussed a violent brawl during a performance of The Bodyguard in Manchester, which came after audience members began “trying to sing over the cast”.
READ MORE: Alison Hammond vows to present This Morning ‘until she’s pensioner with grey hair’
During the debate, Alison said: “I can’t believe it. I’d be devastated. I’m not even going to go to that show now.”
She later apologised after viewers pointed out how disrespectful the audience had been and told how their behaviour had an impact on theatre performers and staff.
Dame Phillips, a respected choreographer and theatre director, responded by telling Alison she has “no idea what it’s like for performers”.
(Image: ITV)
Responding to the apology, Arlene wrote on Twitter: “Alison thank you for your apology but I would just like to say , you have no idea what it is really like for those performers in the shows where the songs are popular hits and certain members of the audience feel entitled to join in.
“Performers are unsure what to do. They are not trained when audiences get out of control and arguing with each other. It’s so distressing. Let’s hope this behaviour stops and normality returns.”
While Arlene was not impressed with Alison’s apology, many of her celeb pals sent her well wishes.
(Image: Getty Images)
Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham wrote: “And you very much do use your platform for good my friend. Always. Love you for this. Utter class. Sending you a squeeze. HX”.
Loose Women star Denise Welch said “Love you,” alongside three red heart emojis.
Comedian Katherine Ryan said: “ANYONE’s problem with Alison Hammond WILL BE PERSONALLY SOLVED BY ME. Let the nation’s sweetheart have a laugh, FFS she’s not going to ruin a musical, she’s here to be the light of our otherwise miserable lives.”
After she was criticised by viewers, she said she wanted to apologise to “anyone she offended”.
She said in a statement: “I had no idea the level of disruption audiences were causing and tried to make light of the topic on Wednesday’s show, and for that I’m truly sorry.
“I am a great supporter of theatre and the arts and would never sing at the top of my lungs at any performance, I was wrong in what I said and I’ve given this a lot of thought over the past few days and believe I was wrong.
“On Thursday evening I attended a performance of the GBBO the musical which I absolutely loved and gave a standing ovation, theatre is a magical experience for me and my family.
“I want to use my platform for good as always and want to stand up with the performers, front of house and theatre staff especially after seeing what happened at The Bodyguard in Manchester which has made me sick to my stomach.
“Once again I am truly sorry but trust me I will do better in the future.”
Cops were called to the Palace Theatre where the musical took place, after audience members singing in the crowd drowned out performers and refused to stop singing.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
