Alison Hammond apologises following theatre singing backlash
This Morning presenter Alison Hammond has apologised after receiving backlash for her comments during a conversation discussing the banning of singing at a theatre in Manchester.
Singing was banned at the Manchester production of the musical The Bodyguard after reported disruption broke out during a performance when an audience member was dragged out by security after refusing to stop singing.
Hammond, who was recently announced as the new Bake Off co-host, had recently discussed the banning of singing with Dermot O'Leary and Vanessa Feltz in a segment on This Morning.
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"I can’t believe it," she said at the time. "I’d be devastated. I’m not even going to go to that show now."
Some theatre fans weren't pleased with the comments, and the backlash has led to the presenter now issuing a statement apologising.
"After reflection and the comments I made on Wednesday's show, I want to apologise to anyone who I offended especially the incredibly talented theatre performers, who I have the utmost respect for," she wrote.
Statement : 🖤 pic.twitter.com/lljs3ZjeQa
— Alison Hammond (@AlisonHammond) April 9, 2023
"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 though over the past few days and believe I was wrong."
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She continued: "On Thursday evening I attended a performance of the GBBO The Musical which I absolutely adored 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 happening at The Bodyguard in Manchester which has made me sick to my stomach.
"Once again I am truly sorry but trust I will do better in the future."
The Great British Bake Off airs on Channel 4 in the UK. In the US, it's known as The Great British Baking Show, and streams on Netflix.
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