Sheridan Smith scoops Olivier award

Actress Sheridan Smith has won a prestigious Olivier award for her role as Elle Woods in the hit musical Legally Blonde.

She scooped the gong for best actress in a musical, with co-star Jill Halfpenny being named as best supporting actress.

Smith, who attended the ceremony with her father, thanked the show's creator for letting a "chav" play a rich American girl.

Speaking to the BBC, the 29-year-old said: "I was so gobsmacked and overwhelmed. This is beyond my wildest dreams. I'm baffled, but so honoured."

Smith is currently appearing alongside Sienna Miller in Flare Path, but described her time playing Elle as "the best 14 months" in her life.

Other winners included Roger Allam, who won the award for best actor and Adrian Scarborough, who picked up the prize for best actor in a supporting role.

We Will Rock You, which is based on the music of Queen, won the audience award for most popular show.