Jason Manford praised for kind reaction towards boy who struggled during theatre show

Jason Manford has been praised for his reaction towards a family watching his latest theatre show.

The comedian is currently starring as Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz in London and spotted a youngster upset in the audience during Sunday's matinee.

Not long into the show, the boy, wearing ear defenders, and his family left their seats at the London Palladium, where Jason is appearing alongside Ashley Banjo as the Tin Man.

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Jason took to social media after the incident to say: "I really hope the family with the little boy with ear defenders on, sat on the second row got seated somewhere else during todays matinee. I saw that he was a little upset in our opening scene and I was gutted to see you had had to vacate your seats so early on. Been thinking about it ever since. Sending love to whoever you are."

He later added: "Massive respect to any parent or carers who brings their children to the theatre, but especially those whose children have additional needs. I could not respect you anymore and I want you to know that any noises or disturbances that to you may feel huge. To us up on stage, we don’t mind one tiny bit, we’re so privileged that you went for it and brought them to our show. Theatre is for everyone!"

The Starstruck star was inundated with praise for his reaction to the boy, with many families saying more people need to have a better understanding of children with additional needs.

"I was already a fan. But you’ve just made me love you even more," said one. "We are not anywhere near acceptance with regards to things like this. I’ve had disgusted looks, tuts and comments of ‘they need a good smack’ when he has lost