Claire Sweeney's opening night of the play Shirley Valentine was suspended after she cut her hand open with a potato peeler during a live performance at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.
The former Brookside star, 48, was peeling potatoes on stage when the accident occurred, causing blood to pour from the wound. She warned the audience that she had to leave the stage to get the cut treated.
After receiving medical attention, Sweeney returned to finish the show, but the wound reopened in the second half. An audience member threw a plaster onto the stage for her. She completed the performance and received a standing ovation.
The Everyman Theatre praised Sweeney's professionalism, stating she was in good spirits throughout and the audience was very supportive. Audience members took to Twitter to commend her courage and dedication.
