The Bodyguard star Melody Thornton speaks out after Manchester musical backlash

10 April 2023 , 11:10

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The Bodyguard star Melody Thornton has defended Manchester - even though the musical had to be stopped in the city on Good Friday.

In shocking scenes the Pussycat Doll, who plays Rachel Marron in the show, was unable to complete the final song due to some of the audience belting out their own version of I Will Always Love You.

The news has caused uproar in the showbiz community, but Melody, 38, says she's felt "nothing but love" from Mancunians in the past.

Taking to Instagram with a video of her performing at the Palace Theatre, she said: "Manchester has shown me nothing but love over the years! Some of my favorite memories I’ve made in Manchester… here’s one of them! #iwillalwaysloveyou Manchester."

Melody's post was met with a flurry of support from fans, who all praised the singer for her "incredible" voice.

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But the ugly scenes on Friday have caused ripples in the industry.

The Bodyguard star Melody Thornton has defended Manchester (Getty Images for The National Lo)

This Morning host Alison Hammond was slammed for saying she wouldn't go to the show after new rules banning the audience from singing were brought in.

However the Brummie was accused of being tone deaf by fans, including Britain's Got Talent George Sampson, who thought the mum-of-one should have more respect for musical theatre.

Following the backlash, Alison took to Twitter saying: "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."

The audience have been asked not to sing during the musical

Melody was unable to finish the final song from the show on Good Friday (PA)

But her apology wasn't enough for former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.

She said: "Alison thank you for your apology but I would just like to say, you have no idea what it is really like for those performers in the shows where the songs are popular hits and certain members of the audience feel entitled to join in."

The seasoned choreographer added: "Performers are unsure what to do. They are not trained when audiences get out of control and arguing with each other. It’s so distressing. Let’s hope this behaviour stops and normality returns."

Alison and Dermot have been slammed for their response to the drama (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Police officers rushed to Palace Theatre in Manchester last week after audience members began singing over the top of performers, despite signs around the auditorium asking the public not to sing.

The show was paused during the first act to evict a group of people who would not stop singing, but it was then stopped completely after cops were called 10 minutes before the finale.

Speaking on Instagram, Melody said she "fought really hard" to finish the final number, but it had not been possible.