Sheridan Smith moved to tears as mum she plays in ITV drama praises her live on air
Sheridan Smith was overcome with emotion as the real-life mother she's portraying in a forthcoming ITV drama made a touching behind-the-scenes revelation.
The devastating true tale of a mum's devotion, courage and determination to change the double jeopardy law is being brought to life in a new ITV drama series called I Fought The Law.
The BAFTA-winning actress takes on the role of campaigner Ann Ming, whose daughter Julie was savagely murdered in 1989. The four-part series will chart Ann's journey as she seeks justice.
William Dunlop strangled 22-year-old Julie Hogg and hid her body under a bath at her residence in Billingham, in 1989. Julie disappeared after finishing a late shift at a nearby pizza restaurant.
Prior to the drama's broadcast, Sheridan and Ann featured on Thursday's (August 21) instalment of This Morning with presenters Rylan Clark and Sian Welby, reports the Mirror.
In a touching moment, Ann made a revelation as she confessed "they couldn't get a better person to play me".
Sheridan became tearful as Ann disclosed: "She (Sheridan) doesn't know this but I came on set twice, and she didn't know I was there. And I watched her, playing me, in one of the difficult scenes - when we told Kevin truth. It was like watching me."
Sheridan wept as Ann praised her: "I don't think they could have got another actress to do it as well. She takes on a role and becomes that person."
Rylan handed Sheridan a tissue as the actress confessed: "I'm very honoured that you said that and that's all I wanted was for Ann to be proud of it."
She went on to say: "I'm so grateful that Ann was happy I played her. I can only imagine what Ann went through because filming for me was only 10 weeks but I really got to know Ann and we've become very close."
Adding further, she said: "Portraying it for that short time was an emotional rollercoaster, so I can only imagine how Ann has felt going through that 17-year battle, fighting the law and trying to get justice. She paved the way for so many families so I'm in awe of her.
"Luckily I didn't know Ann was actually on set because I would have gone to pieces and I would have been too nervous to do it."
Discussing her preparation for the role, she added: "I read Ann's book and I did a lot of research and we met up quite a few times. It was important for me to get the grief and everything Ann has been through.
"It's a complete honour to play her and that her story is going to be out there. It's an incredible story and I hope people tune in and watch it so they can see Ann's story."
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