Alison Hammond apologises after criticism over comments about singing along at musicals

Alison Hammond has said she was “wrong” about comments on theatre etiquette made on ITV’s This Morning.

The presenter came under fire last week after a discussion about singing along at musicals.

Discussing The Bodyguard in Manchester which had asked audience members to stop singing along, Alison said on the programme: “I can’t believe it. I’d be devastated. I’m not even going to go to that show now.”

Guest Vanessa Feltz added: “Isn’t the whole point of going to a musical that you know that you sing along to all the bits you know and when you don’t know the words you just make them up. Isn’t that what everybody does? And very, very loudly while eating an ice cream.”

The comments were met with outrage and upset from many in the theatre community with no shortage of performers, creatives, front of house staff and fans responding.

In a post on social media on Sunday night (9 April), Alison wrote: “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 upmost respect for.

“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 Alison x”

The segment on This Morning came under particular scrutiny over the weekend when a performance of The Bodyguard was halted after police were called due to disruptive audience members.