Sheridan Smith is best recognised today for playing some of the grittiest, most vulnerable, yet powerful roles in some of the most gripping dramas to grace our screens.
Last year, she starred in ITV series I Fought the Law in the leading role of Ann Ming, a grieving mother who's campaigning to change the Double Jeopardy Law after her daughter is murdered.
Based on a true story, the four-part drama retells Ming's 15-year-long fight for justice to try and not only seek permanent change within the criminal system but also find closure for her family At the time of its initial release, Smith was widely praised for her sensitive yet powerful portrayal with many fans of the actor resolving the role marked some of her best work.
However, there's plenty more where that came from. Sheridan rose to fame on our TV screens in a variety of comedies, including one particular much-loved favourite which we still pray reappears on our screen for a special Christmas each year. And she's starred in several other binge-worthy watches too, some which may've slipped your notice.
With Smith set to appear in upcoming BBC drama The Cage alongside new thriller Two Birds, we thought we'd take a look at some of her iconic and applauded roles to keep you entertained while you wait to see her on-screen again.
The best Sheridan Smith TV shows to watch now
The Teacher
The four-part series saw Smith star as a secondary school teacher who finds herself accused of having sex with a pupil.
Yet again proving herself as one of the best actors to take on such a complex and vulnerable role, Smith was highly praised for her portrayal.
Where to watch: Channel 5, Disney+ or Prime Video
Four Lives
Based on a true story, Smith took to the three-part TV series in the role of Sarah Sak, the mother of Anthony Walgate.
Anthony Walgate was one of four young gay men - including Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor - who were murdered by Stephen Port.
Smith reflected on the role as one of the toughest she'd ever undertaken, telling Metro she was "going home in bits crying" every night.
She reflected: "I have so much respect for her and what she must have gone through. I really beat myself up with it because I want to do a good job for them."
And she certainly did, the series praised for being "gripping" but also not feeling "exaggerated" or "insensitive," as per one Rotten Tomatoes user's review.
Where to watch: BBC and ITVX
The Moorside
Clearly a lover of a drama based on a true story, two-part BBC drama,The Moorside focused on the 2008 disappearance of nine-year-old Shannon Matthews in West Yorkshire.
Smith took on the role of Shannon Matthews' mum Karen's best friend, Julie Bushby. Bushby was the chair of the Moorside residents and led the community search to find the young girl.
Instead of focusing on the crime, the series centred the community that came together during a time of crisis at the heart of the drama.
Fans praised the limited series as a "10/10" with Smith's performance hailed "outstanding" by Good Housekeeping.
Where to watch ITVX, Disney+ and Prime Video
Cleaning Up
Smith starred as struggling mum Sam Cook, working as a cleaner for a financial company in Canary Wharf. Addicted to gambling and drowning in debt, Sam faces battling her ex-husband for custody of their two daughters, but could her behind-the-scenes insight into the world of finance and the secrets concealed within help her?
The six-part ITV series saw Smith praised for leaving viewers wanting more, although sadly it didn't get another season. Fret not however, as there's plenty more Sheridan Smith dramas just as gripping.
Where to watch: Prime Video and Apple TV+
Cilla
Taking on the iconic role of singer Cilla Black in her early career, Smith played the starring role.
Not only taking on the physicality and mannerisms of the "Anyone Who Had a Heart" singer, Smith also underwent months of vocal training to perform some of Cilla's greatest hits.
Smith's portrayal of the singer saw her named best actress at the 2015 Broadcasting Press Guild awards and she was even applauded by Cilla herself. The singer told Digital Spy it was a "great honour" to be portrayed by Smith, adding: "She's such an incredible actress."
Where to watch: ITVX and Netflix
Mrs Biggs
Based on the true story of Charmian Brent, Smith took on the role of the titular role, Mrs Biggs wife of infamous Great Train robber Robbie Briggs.
Smith's fiery and compelling performance received critical acclaim, the actor winning the 2013 BAFTA Television Award for Best Actress as a result.
Where to watch: ITVX and Netflix
Gavin and Stacey
It wouldn't be a Smith round-up without including one of her most iconic sitcoms appearing in the much-loved BBC Three release as Smithy's little sister, Rudi.
Despite being widely known now for her roles in tense dramas, Smith began her acting career in a whole host of British comedies, from Gavin and Stacey to Two Pints of Lager, The Royle Family, Grownups and Benidorm too.
Where to watch: BBC and Netflix
Smith's upcoming BBC crime drama The Cage is set to premiere on Saturday, 26th April at 9pm on BBC One.
