Sheridan Smith looked unrecognisable in a short blonde wig on the set of new ITV drama Fight For The Truth on Monday.
A mother whose fight to bring her daughter’s killer to justice made legal history is to be turned into an ITV drama starring Sheridan.
The 42-year-old actress will play mother and nurse Ann Ming in the series, which has just started filming in Hartlepool, County Durham.
She wrapped herself in a beige trench coat over a blue-checked nurse’s uniform, paired with tights and slip-on shoes.
Sheridan appeared tense while filming the drama and was accompanied on set by several male actors.
Sheridan Smith looked unrecognisable in a short blonde wig on the set of new ITV drama Fight for the Truth on Monday
The 42-year-old actress will play mother and nurse Ann Ming in the series, which has just started filming in Hartlepool, County Durham.
Sheridan appeared tense while filming the drama and was accompanied on set by several male actors.
Ann Ming campaigned for 15 years to change the century-old Double Jeopardy Act following the brutal murder of her daughter Julie Hogg in Billingham, County Durham, in 1989.
His determination led to the conviction of William “Billy” Dunlop, who admitted to the murder while serving time for another crime.
Julie’s daughter’s killer strangled and then sexually mutilated her, before hiding her body under the bathtub in her own home.
Ann, now in her 70s, will act as a consultant throughout the production process and will be played in the drama by Smith.
She said: ‘My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and several years later he confessed to her murder, so he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law.
“I wasn’t going to let this stop me from getting justice for Julie. I’m overwhelmed that Sheridan Smith is going to be playing me.
“To have such an iconic and talented actress play me is truly wonderful.”
She covered her long brown locks with a short blonde wig.
A mother whose fight to bring her daughter’s killer to justice made legal history is to be turned into an ITV drama starring Sheridan.
She wrapped herself in a beige trench coat over a blue-checked nurse’s uniform, paired with tights and slip-on shoes.
Ann Ming campaigned for 15 years to change the century-old Double Jeopardy Act following the brutal murder of her daughter Julie Hogg in Billingham, County Durham, in 1989.
Julie Hogg was murdered by Billy Dunlop in 1989. Her body was hidden under her bathtub.
Ann, now in her 70s, will act as a consultant throughout the production process and will be played in the drama by Smith.
She said: ‘My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and several years later he confessed to her murder, so he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law.’
“I wasn’t going to let this stop me from getting justice for Julie. I’m thrilled that Sheridan Smith is going to be playing me.”
“To have such an iconic and talented actress play me is truly wonderful.”
Sheridan appears to be very busy with work, as in addition to her new role on ITV, she has reportedly “signed a deal” to return for the final episode of Gavin & Stacey.
The 42-year-old actress is said to be joining the iconic cast for the Christmas special as James’ on-screen sister Rudi Smith, which will mark the end of the beloved sitcom.
Despite recent reports that Sheridan may not be involved, sources working at the BBC have been told that informal talks have already taken place with the star, according to The Mirror.
Earlier this month, sources close to the award-winning actress told MailOnline that there have been “no talks” about a return to the much-loved BBC comedy, which James, 45, and co-writer Ruth Jones, 57, confirmed last month would return for a final instalment on Christmas Day.
But now it looks like things might have taken a turn and there could be hope for a legendary reunion for the books.
“The script for Gavin & Stacey: The Finale features all of the main characters from the series, including Smithy’s sister Rudi. Nothing has been signed and talks are still ongoing, especially since no filming date has been set,” the source told the publication.
‘But every effort is being made to ensure the entire cast is there, and in the coming weeks the production team hopes to confirm everyone’s availability.
“Sheridan and James are still friends. They recently met at the Variety Club Awards and got on really well. So we’re hopeful she’ll be able to take part.”
Sheridan appears to be very busy with work, as along with the new role on ITV, she has reportedly “signed a deal” to return for the final episode of Gavin & Stacey.
Sheridan played Ruth “Rudi” Smith, known for her tumultuous relationship with James’ character Smithy, as well as her improvised raps, and is a cult favorite among fans.
The TV source added that Sheridan did not appear in the 2019 Christmas special episode because her character was “not part of the story,” although it is a “different story” this time around.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Sheridan and the BBC for comment.
Sheridan played Ruth “Rudi” Smith, known for her tumultuous relationship with James’ character Smithy, as well as her improvised raps, and is a cult favorite among fans.
The actress dated James for two years between 2007 and 2009 and the pair are believed to be on good terms.
The two attended the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards in late April, where James received the award for outstanding global achievement in broadcasting, acting and comedy.
James and Ruth confirmed the comedy’s return on social media with a post featuring the creators holding a script titled Gavin and Stacey: The Finale earlier this month.
Fans will finally find out whether or not Smithy and Nessa end up together and, potentially, find out what happened on that famous fishing trip.
Unlike Sheridan, the show’s main stars have been contacted to ensure their diaries are free to film the final episode, which will air on BBC1 on Christmas Day.
