Sheridan Smith will not perform at this year’s Royal Variety Performance following the death of her father, Colin, this week.

The Funny Girl star was due to perform alongside other celebrities such as Sting and Robbie Williams in the show, which will take place in front of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Sheridan Smith
Sheridan Smith at the Bafta TV Awards this year (Jonathan Brady/PA)

A statement said: “Sheridan’s much loved father sadly passed away this week.”

“We can confirm that she will not be performing at the Royal Variety Performance this Tuesday. At this difficult time for Sheridan and her family we would ask that you please respect their privacy.”

Smith, 35, revealed in March this year that her father had been diagnosed with cancer. Following the news, she pulled out of a performance of the West End musical, Funny Girl.

Sheridan Smith
Smith receiving her OBE in 2015 (Hannah McKay/PA)

She shared the news with her Twitter followers writing: “Had s*** news 2day, sorry I can’t make the show for u loyal fans, if u ask they give u tix to the Savoy!”

She added: “it’s one, hate missing shows but pappa needs me x”

The actress’s eldest brother Julian died from cancer at the age of 18.

Sheridan Smith with award
Smith won Best Drama Performance at the 2015 National Television Awards (Anthony Devlin/PA)

Smith starred in the BBC1 drama, The C Word, last year which saw her portraying blogger Lisa Lynch.

The film documented Ms Lynch’s battle with cancer and was based on her blog – named Alright Tit – and a book which was born out of the blog.