Sheridan Smith's Funny Girl understudy Natasha Barnes opens up about 'BITTERSWEET' role
SHERIDAN SMITH took time off from her West End role in Funny Girl due to "stress and exhaustion", leading her understudy Natasha Barnes to step in as Fanny Brice until the star returns.
Sheridan Smith has encouraged her Funny Girl understudy to 'make the role her own'
Appearing on This Morning earlier today, the 26-year-old admitted that the amazing opportunity is "bittersweet" as she's concerned about the wellbeing of her famous friend.
While many ticket holders were angry when The C Word actress, 34, was signed off from the Savoy Theatre show, her successor has wowed audiences and received critical acclaim.
ITV presenter Phillip Schofield, 54, reassured her that the interview wouldn't be a "Sheridan Smith hit job", and continued to praise the young stage star for her glowing reviews.
"It is very much a bittersweet thing. It's been a difficult challenge for me to know this could be my part for a little while and trying to put my own stamp on it," Natasha explained.
"I've been lucky with this part as Sheridan is amazing, and I got to watch her play in the show when I'm not playing Fanny.
"I got to follow her around everywhere, it's been the best learning curve to watch somebody like that. I feel like that has been my training," she added.
Confessing that she had been working in theatre for eight years previously, and would have said yes to any part in the past, Natasha now has her choice of roles in the future.
However, the blonde reassured viewers that Sheridan would be back on stage soon, and recalled how she told her to make the part unique.
"She told me to make it my own if I went on," Natasha continued. "She said, 'You know it will do things for you if you get on, which I'm sure you will because it's a big thing.
"I'm going to be in need of a big holiday myself after doing it even for just a little bit."
It's still unclear when Sheridan will reprise her Funny Girl character as she's reportedly struggling to come to terms with her father's recent cancer diagnosis.
This Morning airs on weekdays at 10.30am.