Sheridan Smith has been praised for her "grace" and "incredible spirit"

Speaking on TV show 'Loose Women' on Monday (27.03.17), Darius - who was previously known as Darius Danesh - said: "[Sheridan] is someone with an incredible spirit and driving force, and for her to come back not only after her father passed but to be able to do so with such grace and amazing showmanship. I love Sheridan and we've got a great friendship - even before the show."

Sheridan revealed her father had cancer earlier in 2016 when she unexpectedly pulled out of her 'Funny Girl' for a short period of time.

After being insulted by a fan on Twitter for her absence, Sheridan said: "If you just found out your dad had cancer you wouldn't be such a heartless human. Take care love (sic)"

Her comment came just hours after she revealed that she has been delivered some shattering news and was truly sorry to her fans for cancelling her appearance.

She said at the time: "Had s**t news today, sorry I can't make the show for you loyal fans. If you ask they give u tickets to the Savoy (sic)!"

She then went on to hint that she would quit the show for good unless she was given a pay rise so that she could give her father the best possible cancer care.

She hinted: "Decision made! Bye. Unless I get enough money to look after my dad."

Colin's tragic death came 27 years after Sheridan's beloved brother Julian died of cancer when he was just 18 years old - the actress was just eight at the time.

Sheridan pulled out of the 2016 'Royal Variety Performance', held at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on December 6, to grieve for her beloved dad.

At the time a statement from her representative read: "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, December 6th. At this difficult time for Sheridan and her family we would ask that you please respect their privacy."