Sheridan Smith taken to hospital following collapse at exclusive retreat

The star is currently on a break due to stress

Published 24th May 2016

Actress Sheridan Smith has reportedly been taken to hospital after collapsing during her stay at an A-list retreat.

The star is currently taking a break from her West End duties due to stress and was reportedly rushed to hospital in an ambulance after staff at the retreat were worried for her wellbeing.

Sheridan Smith | © PA Images

A spokesperson for the South East Ambulance service said "We were called just before 5.20pm on Sunday following reports of a woman in need of medical attention.

"A car from the South Central Ambulance was sent along with an ambulance which we assisted with. She was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to hospital as a priority”.

Reports suggest she was taken to the Royal Surrey County Hospital where she has now made a full recovery.

A source close to the star told a national newspaper, “Sheridan has been at Champneys to undergo total rest while she's been recuperating during her time off from Funny Girl.

"She has been in a better place and things have been looking up, but on Sunday there was a medical emergency and ambulances were called.

"Now she is feeling much better and it has nothing to do with stress or her state of mind."

Sheridan's last public appearance before announcing her one-month break was at the BAFTA Television Awards at the start of the month where she stunned on the red carpet in black lace dress.

Sheridan Smith | © PA Images

The Cilla actress is taking a break from her leading role in West End show Funny Girl with understudy and friend, Natasha Barnes, stepping up in her absence.

Natasha recently admitted she 'misses and worries' for her close friend saying "When I'm on stage I don't have time to consider it but backstage before and after the show there is this absence. I miss her and worry about her and hope she is alright.”

The actress also went on to admit Sheridan had given her full support in the role. She said "Sheridan's been so supportive of me. 'You give this a go and it will do good things for you' she told me".

Sheridan has gained a loyal following for her incredible acting skills over the last decade.

She started her career in various comedy roles in programmes such as Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Gavin and Stacey.

However, in more recent years the 34-year-old has taken on more serious roles.

Cilla | © ITV Pictures

Her stunning portrayal of the late Cilla Black in the biopic of Cilla saw her win many awards including Best Actress at the TV Choice Awards.