With its timeless tale of an orphan boy thrown out of the workhouse for pleading, ‘Please sir, I want some more’, and later running away to London to seek his fortune, Oliver! The Musical is captivating West End audiences once again.
However, I hear that what’s been going on backstage at Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s hit revival is even more dramatic.
An internal investigation was launched after leading lady Shanay Holmes, 37, who played Nancy, claimed co-star Aaron Sidwell, 37, aka the violent Bill Sikes, had been physically rough with her during the pair’s scenes.
The probe is understood to have taken between seven and nine weeks last summer. During that period, Shanay declined to perform opposite Aaron, forcing understudy Ava Brennan, 39, to step into the role.
Shanay’s acclaimed portrayal of Nancy previously led to her performing the ballad As Long as He Needs Me in front of King Charles at the 2024 Royal Variety Performance.
But last September, she announced she quit the show. However, her departure only fuelled further intrigue after fans noticed an apparent lack of public support from fellow cast members. Several company members, including Simon Lipkin, who plays Fagin, ‘unfollowed’ Shanay on Instagram.
Shanay Holmes’ acclaimed portrayal of Nancy in Oliver! led to her performing in front of King Charles at the 2024 Royal Variety Performance
But last year, the actress quit the show and has since been unfollowed by several fellow cast members, fuelling intrigue among fans
The controversy intensified when Aaron, best known for playing Steven Beale in EastEnders, shared a cryptic post on X shortly after Shanay’s departure was announced. The actor posted lyrics from the rock band Green Day’s song Too Much Too Soon, including the line: ‘Farewell, see you in hell, I hope you rest in pieces, f*** you.’
The post was later deleted.
I understand that cast members were asked to sign non-disclosure agreements amid fears that the allegations and growing backstage tensions could damage the reputation of one of the West End’s biggest family shows.
Officials never publicly disclosed the outcome of the investigation.
Next week, Shanay will return to performing, with a solo concert with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea.
A spokesman for Oliver! declines to comment, as do the actors.
Artist ex of Friends’ Ross to remarry
His love life has sometimes appeared as intense as that of Ross in Friends, the role for which he is destined to be for ever remembered.
So how will David Schwimmer, 59, cope with the declaration made yesterday by his ex-wife, the British artist Zoe Buckman, 40, to whom he’s remained close despite their ‘heart breaking’ divorce in 2017?
Friends star David Schwimmer, 59, has remained close to his British ex-wife, Zoe Buckman, 40, despite their ‘heart breaking’ divorce in 2017. (Pictured together at the Emmy Awards in 2016)
Zoe shared that she is now engaged to Justin Saliman, a wealthy orthopaedic surgeon who previously dated Sofia Vergara
‘In a British countryside heat wave my boyfriend became my fiance,’ says Zoe, who has a daughter, Cleo, 15, with Schwimmer. ‘Meeting him was already prayers answered – now I don’t really know what to do with this level of gratitude. Thank you Justin for choosing me.’
She’s in assured hands. Justin Saliman, 52, who previously romanced Sofia Vergara, star of American sitcom Modern Family, is an orthopaedic surgeon who founded a medical technology firm which was acquired for $105mil lion (£79million) in 2019.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s plans for their return visit to Britain next month are chaotic – and Meghan’s business organisation seems just as bad.
I learn that Prince Harry’s wife still hasn’t managed to trademark the name of her lifestyle company, As Ever, almost two years after first filing legal papers. And she’s just been granted her second six-month extension to complete her application with the US Patent and Trade mark Office (USPTO).
A legal document tells her: ‘Applicant’s second request for Extension of Time to File a Statement of Use has been granted. Applicant must continue to file extension requests every six months…until a Statement of Use is filed, or the USPTO will abandon the application.’
With champagne corks still popping at Eton College after confirmation of Prince George’s attendance in September, news reaches me of a new honour for Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the school’s Provost, or chairman of governors. He has been appointed chairman of King Charles’s charity. ‘I’ve been a trustee of the King’s Foundation for a short time, and I’m delighted to be asked to chair,’ he tells me. ‘I am a great fan of the foundation and the work it does with traditional arts and crafts, urban architecture, heritage conservation and sustainability – all subjects close to my heart.
Judge Rinder plays Cupid for Tonia’s girl
Judge Rinder has delivered his verdict – and it’s clear that he’s not the stern figure seen on screen but a hopeless romantic.
Former practising barrister Rob Rinder officiated at the wedding of Sophia Buxton, 27, and Oliver Motisi, 29, in Italy at the weekend
Sophia, who is the daughter of TV’s Tonia Buxton, said that Judge Rinder did an excellent job and ‘had everyone sobbing’
Former practising barrister Rob Rinder officiated at the wedding of Sophia Buxton, 27, and Oliver Motisi, 29, in Italy at the weekend.
Sophia is the daughter of TV’s ‘face of Greek food’ Tonia Buxton, who tells me: ‘Rob was amazing. He told the story of their relation ship and had everyone sobbing.’ She adds: ‘The wedding was like a magical three-day fairytale. Oli was Sophia’s true love since she was 15.’
She’s a familiar face to viewers, but The TV presenter Mel Giedroyc hates seeing herself so much that she can’t look in the mirror. ‘I do this thing which is really stupid,’ says Mel, 58. ‘If I’m putting on my makeup, I will often do it from quite a long way away.’ She explains: ‘I did it when I was a teenager because I had spots. I just couldn’t bear the sight of my face.’
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