The hugely successful actress has been a household name for many years
Sheridan Smith attends the “I Fought The Law” press launch (Image: 2025 Mike Marsland/Getty Images)
Sheridan Smith is one of the UK’s best loved actresses after appearing in several TV shows over the years. The national treasure has been trusted to play many difficult roles and tell the stories of real people, from singer Cilla Black to inspiring campaigner, Ann Ming, whose daughter Julie was brutally killed in 1989.
Speaking to Good Housekeeping about the importance of playing Ann, in ITV’s latest drama ‘I Fought the Law’, Sheridan said: “I Fought the Law is probably the hardest job I’ve ever done, partly because I wanted to do Ann Ming’s story justice. She’s a little firecracker of a woman who took on the establishment and won. She’s my hero.”
The series aired on Sunday, August 31, with an episode the following day on September 1. The next episode will be tonight, September 7, with the final episode airing tomorrow evening. Ahead of the latest episode, Sheridan has shared a heartfelt message on social media.
She posted to Instagram: “Absolutely overwhelmed by all your kind messages about I Fought the Law. Thank you, it means more than you could ever know.
“Episode three is on tonight and the last episode tomorrow. So grateful to have been part of the huge team that made it possible to tell Ann’s incredible story. I love her! So glad it’s out there now for others to see her unbelievable battle.
Appearing on our screens as Ann Ming, Sheridan helps tell the heartbreaking and inspiring real-life story of a mum who finds strength to challenge the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law.
The drama follows the tragic challenges faced by the Ming family after the murder of their 22-year-old daughter, Julie. In the wake of multiple police failings, Ann relentlessly pressures the authorities to uncover the truth and make sure her daughter’s killer is brought to justice after a fifteen-year battle.
Sheridan Smith attends the “I Fought The Law” press launch (Image: 2025 Mike Marsland/Getty Images)
Julie’s mum, Ann, campaigned for 15 years to get the 800-year-old law changed so that murderer Billy Dunlop could be charged for the same crime twice. In 2006, he became the first person to be tried under the new rules. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Although she has chosen more serious roles in recent years, it was sitcoms that helped launch the 44-year-old to stardom. She came to prominence after playing parts in The Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Gavin and Stacey and Benidorm.
Collecting many accolades for her performances, Sheridan earned a BAFTA award for Best Leading Actress in 2013 for her role in Mrs. Biggs. Sheridan has been as much a hit off-screen with an excellent stage presence.
She has one child, a son named Billy, who she shares with ex-partner Jamie Horn. Sheridan was in a relationship with the insurance broker between 2018 and 2021, with their son born in May 2020.
Speaking about her role in the show, Sheridan said: “Playing real people is a privilege, and it’s why I do what I do. I instantly knew that I had to play Ann because of her story, her resilience, her strength, and everything she went through to fight an 800-year-old law. She just wouldn’t give up.”
Ann, a retired surgical nurse from Teesside, says she had full confidence in Sheridan to tell her story. She said: “When I watched the drama it was like she’d just got inside of me.”