- Hosting This Morning with Dermot O’Leary on Wednesday, the duo debated the news that singing along to musicals had been banned in theaters
- Alison, 48, laughed and said she would be “devastated” if she had to stop singing in the theatre, prompting fury from stars and theater fans alike
- The debate came just days before a “mini riot” erupted during a production of The Bodyguard in Manchester on Friday, drawing criticism
- On Sunday, she apologized for her comments, which a number of her celebrity friends and a host of fans threw their support behind her words
Alison Hammond continued to be in the firing line for the Theater Gate scandal last week as she divided stars and critics over her apology.
While hosting This Morning with Dermot O’Leary on Wednesday, the duo debated news that singing along to musicals was banned in theaters – to which 48-year-old Alison laughed and claimed she would be “devastated” if they quit would have to sing.
The debate just came days before a “Mini-riot” broke out during a production of The Bodyguard in Manchester on Friday and was criticized by stars who insisted sing-alongs were totally inappropriate.
However after Alison apologized on Sunday, she was supported by celebrity friends – including Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, who appeared on the show on the day of the debate, and Katherine Ryan – and branded “a national treasure”.
Despite the outpouring of support following the apology, some stars – including Arlene Phillips – have continued to blast the star, with the harsh judge insisting she has “no idea” about the cast’s plight and branding the scenario “troubling”.
Shock: Alison Hammond continued to be in the firing line for last week’s Theater Gate scandal when she divided stars and critics over her apology along with musicals in theaters had been banned – which Alison, 48, laughed at and claimed she would be “devastated” if she had to stop singing Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, who appeared on the show on the day of the debate, and Katherine Ryan — and branded “a national treasure,” he put a heart to the post added
The saga began when This Morning hosted a discussion about the ban.
Alison said during the ITV discussion: “[Theatre staff] regularly walk up and down the aisles before performances and during intermission with ‘no singing’ signs ‘I mean I can’t believe I’m devastated’ while they also laugh.
In an unfortunate turn of events, police were called to the Palace Theater just two days later when the show, starring Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton, had to be interrupted twice before ending when a woman was dragged out after refusing to start singing stop.
After much backlash, a remorseful Alison took to Instagram on Sunday to share a statement apologizing for her misguided actions.
A statement on Twitter said: “Following the reflections and comments I made on Wednesday’s show, I would like to apologize to everyone I have offended, especially the incredibly talented theater performers for whom I have the utmost respect have.
“Having no idea how much disruption the audience was causing, I tried to shed light on the subject on Wednesday’s show and I’m really sorry for that.”
Apologies: After the shocking Manchester scenes and her own visit to the theater, Alison decided to apologize for her words and vowed to do better in the future. Not for me: Arlene Phillips was less forthcoming with her forgiveness. No! She shared a message showing her grief
Adding: “I am a huge supporter of theater and the arts and would not sing at the top of my lungs at any performance. I was wrong in what I said and I’ve thought a lot about it these past few days and I think I was wrong.
“On Thursday night I attended a performance of the musical GBBO, which I absolutely loved, and gave a standing ovation. Theater is a magical experience for me and my family.”
She concluded: “I want to forever use my platform as always and stand up with the cast, front of house and theater staff, especially after seeing what happened at The Bodyguard in Manchester which gave me a stomach ache .
“Once again, I’m really sorry, but believe me, I’ll do better in the future.”
Despite backlash, she received praise and support from her friends and fans.
Eek! Danny Mac was reluctant to endorse the star. Note: he gently hit back and communicated with followers
Even A-listers got involved in the action, with Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham writing: “…..And you love using your platform for good my friend. Always. love you for it Absolute class. Send you a squeeze. HX’.
Funnywoman Katherine Ryan wrote: “EVERY problem with Allison Hammond WILL BE PERSONALLY SOLVED BY ME. Make the nation’s sweetheart laugh, FFS, she won’t ruin a musical, she’s here to be the light of our otherwise miserable lives.
Les Dennis wrote, “Good on you Alison,” while Danny Mac simply added a heart to the post after tracing his own thoughts on the drama.
Other stars who sent their love included Bad Education and theater star Layton Williams, Strictly’s Karen Clifton, Rylan Clark, Les Dennis and Doctor Ranj Singh.
Arlene didn’t seem too happy with the apology, writing: “Alison thank you for your apology but I just want to say you have no idea what it’s really like for the cast members on the shows where the songs are popular hits and certain viewers feel entitled to join in…
Shocked: Katherine Ryan launched her defenseSweet: Les Dennis was also kind to the star
“The performers are unsure of what to do. They are not trained when the audience gets out of control and argues with each other. It’s so distressing. Let’s hope this behavior stops and normality returns.”
Danny Mac added, “You can sing along with me anytime. Metaphorically…literally…the real point (missing almost everywhere I look) is the EXPERIENCE of everyone in the audience and the SAFETY of everyone in the building.
‘That’s all. This isn’t about the performer… It’s not necessarily about the performer, but if I’ve paid to see a trained, talented cast, then I want to hear them.
However, in support of her, other fans wrote: “Good for you for speaking out. But I think most level-headed people knew you didn’t want to sing along like a banshee…
“It’s not even an apology!” Dermot, meanwhile, has been slammed by fans after making a “disappointing” statement about his “encouragement” of disrespectful theater audiences at Manchester’s Palace Theater on Friday, when a show starring former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton had to be interrupted twice before she ended prematurely when a rowdy crowd caused chaos (Melody pictured with co-star Ayden Callaghan).
“Apologizing after making a mistake is becoming a lost art these days. Well done Alison… Too many miserable people trying to make a big deal out of it. Leave Alison alone… You had fun Alison. No worries …
“I also sing to Defying Gravity. And popular and as long as your mine. And every song… Alison, that was great of you and a testament to your authentic character…
“All of this has highlighted a pre-existing problem with theatres, and theater performers should be. You are not responsible for individual conduct.
Shortly before Alison’s heartfelt apology, her co-star Dermot added his own explanation, but came under fire for refusing to apologize.
Dermot was slammed by fans after making a “disappointing” statement about his “encouragement” of disrespectful audiences in theaters.
Terrible evening: On Saturday, Melody discussed the incident on her Instagram story, thanking those who were “respectful” and saying “it feels awful” that the show had to be stopped
The TV presenter distanced himself from the situation, writing in a Sunday tweet, “Evening everyone… A lot of people are commenting on a reaction to a story we covered on the ‘Bodyguard’ show this morning and the audience is singing along.”
Dermot added, “Could I politely ask anyone who is judging the clip to watch the entire interview…since I was actually arguing AGAINST people singing too loud in theaters.
“Nothing but love and respect for those who step onto the boards. Peace and love to all.’
He showed he wanted to put the whole ordeal behind him as he ended the statement on a light-hearted note, saying, “Well, back to those Easter eggs… Dx.”
But his fans were unimpressed by his post, criticizing him for being “tasteless” and “not taking responsibility”.
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