Sheridan Smith reveals how one acidic Graham Norton quip sparked her massive public meltdown – and how she has now moved back north and is ‘the happiest I’ve ever been’

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Sheridan Smith has revealed that a harsh joke made by Graham Norton contributed to her highly publicized struggles in 2016. She now says she’s happier than ever after returning to live in her hometown.

While performing as Fanny Brice in the West End production of Funny Girl, the actress experienced a serious mental health crisis. The show was stopped mid-performance after concerns were raised that she was having difficulty speaking and moving on stage.

Smith was then dogged by accusations that she was drinking heavily.   

However, the final straw came during the TV Baftas. Host Graham Norton made a joke about her alcohol consumption, playfully calling it ‘a few glasses of technical difficulties,’ a reference to industry jargon.

Afterwards, she missed three shows in a row and took a leave of absence.

According to Smith, she was struggling with the news of her father’s cancer diagnosis when she had what he calls a ‘meltdown’.

Her 18-year-old brother, Julian, had previously died of the same disease when she was eight.

Later that year, her father passed away. According to Smith, this difficult experience caused the actress, known for her role in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, to experience a complex form of grief called ‘double-grieving’.

In an interview with The Times, Smith revealed she had developed an addiction to medication for anxiety. She explained that on the night of the infamous Baftas, she had stopped taking the medication and subsequently experienced seizures that required hospital treatment.

Reflecting on what happened with Norton, she explained it wasn’t anyone’s blame, but her own doing. She was going through a difficult time then, but believes something like that likely wouldn’t occur now, as things are generally more understanding and supportive.

After struggling with her mental health nearly ten years ago, Smith has returned to her roots in Epworth, leaving London to be near her family.

She explained that because she knows everyone in the village, she feels comfortable enough to do the school run still wearing her pyjamas, and she absolutely loves being a mum.

Smith is returning to the West End in Alan Ayckbourn’s dark comedy Woman in Mind.  

The play is currently showing in London’s West End at the Duke of York’s Theatre, with performances scheduled through the end of February. After that, it will tour to cities including Sunderland and Glasgow.

Sheridan plays Susan, a woman whose unhappy home life takes a fantastical turn after a head injury. She begins to imagine she has the perfect family.

Her world splits in two – one mundane, one imagined – and the lines begin to blur.

Meanwhile comedian Roman Romesh makes his West End debut as Bill Windsor, Susan’s psychiatrist. 

This marks his first appearance since announcing a break from his busy career, though he clarified he doesn’t plan to retire completely.

The comedian, famous for his popular and award-winning show Rob & Romesh Vs, is taking a break to enjoy more time with his family.

In a June interview on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Romesh Ranganathan explained to Lauren Laverne that he’s not following any particular plan. He’s simply doing what feels right and taking things a bit easier.

Fans shouldn’t worry, though – the comedian from Crawley assured everyone he doesn’t plan to retire.

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2025-12-13 19:04