Mystery over why Oliver! star Shanay Holmes quit hit show

with itThe immortal story of an orphan boy thrown out of the workhouse for begging ‘Please sir, I want some more’ and then running away to London to seek his fortune, Oliver! The musical is wowing West End audiences once again.

However, I hear what goes on behind the scenes in the Sir Cameron Mackintosh revival is much more dramatic.

An internal investigation was launched after co-star Shanay Holmes, 37, who plays Nancy, claimed co-star Aaron Sidwell, 37, aka violent Bill Sikes, was physically rough with her during the pair’s scenes.

The probe appears to have lasted seven to nine weeks last summer. During this period, Shanay refused to play opposite Aaron, forcing 39-year-old substitute Ava Brennan to step into the role.

Shanay’s acclaimed role as Nancy previously led to her performing As Long as He Needs Me in front of King Charles at the 2024 Royal Variety Performance.

However, last September she announced she was quitting the show. But his departure further fueled intrigue after fans noticed a distinct lack of public support from his castmates. Several company members ‘unfollowed’ Shanay on Instagram, including Simon Lipkin, who plays Fagin.

However, last year, the actor left the show and has been unfollowed by many other actors since then, which has sparked curiosity among fans.

The row was further fueled when Aaron, best known for his role as Steven Beale in EastEnders, shared a cryptic post about X shortly after Shanay’s departure was announced. The actor posted the lyrics to rock band Green Day’s song Too Much Too Soon, adding the lines: ‘Goodbye, see you in hell, I hope you fall to pieces, fuck you.’

The post was later deleted.

I understand that actors have been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements out of fear that the allegations and escalating backstage tensions could damage the reputation of one of the West End’s biggest family shows.

Authorities never publicly disclosed the outcome of the investigation.

Next week Shanay will return to the stage with a solo concert with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea.

Oliver’s spokesman! He refuses to comment like the actors.

Former Friends’ Ross star is getting married again

His love life sometimes seemed as intense as Ross’s in Friends, the role for which he was destined to be forever remembered.

So how will 59-year-old David Schwimmer deal with the statement made yesterday by his ex-wife, British artist Zoe Buckman (40), with whom he remains close despite their ‘heartbreaking’ divorce in 2017?

Friends star David Schwimmer (59) remained close to his British ex-wife Zoe Buckman (40) despite their ‘heartbreaking’ divorce in 2017. (Photographed together at the Emmy Awards in 2016)

Zoe shared that she is now engaged to wealthy orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman, who previously dated Sofia Vergara.

‘During the heatwave in the English countryside, my boyfriend became my fiancee,’ says Zoe, who has a 15-year-old daughter, Cleo, with Schwimmer. ‘Meeting him was already the answer to my prayers; I really don’t know what to do with this level of gratitude now. Thank you Justin for choosing me.’

He’s in safe hands. Justin Saliman, 52, who previously had a romance with Sofia Vergara, star of American sitcom Modern Family, is an orthopedic surgeon who founded a medical technology company that was acquired for $105 million (£79 million) in 2019.

Plans for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s return visit to the UK next month are chaotic, and Meghan’s work organization looks equally bad.

I learned that Prince Harry’s wife still hasn’t managed to trademark the name of her lifestyle company, As Ever, almost two years after she first filed legal papers. And he was recently granted a second six-month extension to complete his application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

A legal document tells him: ‘Applicant’s second request for Extension of Time for Application for Notice of Use has been granted. The applicant must continue to request an extension every six months until the Notice of Use is filed, or the USPTO will cancel the application.’

While the champagne corks were still popping at Eton College after the confirmation of Prince George’s accession in September, news reached me that the school’s headmaster, or chairman of governors, Sir Nicholas Coleridge, was to be awarded a new honour. He was appointed chairman of King Charles’ charity. ‘I have been a member of the board of trustees of the King Foundation for a short time and I am delighted to be asked to chair,’ he said. ‘I’m a big fan of the foundation and its work around traditional arts and crafts, urban architecture, heritage conservation and sustainability; These are all topics close to my heart.

Judge Rinder plays Cupid for Tonia’s daughter

Judge Rinder delivers his verdict and it’s clear he’s a hopeless romantic, not the tough figure seen on the big screen.

Former lawyer Rob Rinder officiated the wedding of Sophia Buxton, 27, and Oliver Motisi, 29, in Italy over the weekend.

TV presenter Tonia Buxton’s daughter Sophia says Judge Rinder did an excellent job and ‘made everyone cry’

Former lawyer Rob Rinder officiated the wedding of Sophia Buxton, 27, and Oliver Motisi, 29, in Italy over the weekend.

Sophia is the daughter of TV’s ‘face of Greek food’ Tonia Buxton and she told me: ‘Rob was amazing. ‘He told the story of their relationship and made everyone cry.’ She adds: ‘The wedding was like a magical three-day fairy tale. Oli was Sophia’s true love since she was 15.’

It’s a familiar face to viewers, but TV host Mel Giedroyc hates the sight of herself so much she can’t look in the mirror. ‘I’m doing something really stupid,’ says Mel, 58. ‘If I’m wearing make-up, I usually do it from quite a distance.’ She explains: ‘I did this when I was younger because I had spots. ‘I couldn’t stand the sight of my face.’