Sheridan Smith has revealed she suffered seizures after she stopped taking medication after being left humiliated by jokes at her expense made by Graham Norton.
The 42-year-old actress has had wildly mixed success during her career as a star of the stage and screen - winning praise and criticism for some of the roles she has undertaken over the year. Back in 2016, Sheridan faced intensive scrutiny when she performed in a West End production of Funny Girl - drawing attention when she frequently withdrew from performances moments before the curtain was due to go up.
During her run in the show, Sheridan was contesting with huge personal emotions as her father was dying of cancer. And when her peers began to openly mock her performance in the West End show and the negative headlines that were being generated at the same time, she was left feeling betrayed and devastated.
The star has previously shared her shock at the fact 61-year-old comedian Graham joked about her while he was hosting the 2016 BAFTAs. He quipped on stage: “The sooner we begin, the sooner we can have a couple of drinks. Or, as they say in theatrical circles, a couple of glasses of technical difficulties.”
Her latest West End show, titled Opening Night, was a critical and commercial failure (FILE)Now in a new interview with The Times, Sheridan has said the incident prompted her to decide to stop taking medication she had been prescribed. The sudden change provoked an unexpected side effect - as she was las left suffering from multiple seizures and she was rushed to hospital. She told the outlet: “I had no idea that they were addictive like that or that you could have seizures coming off them.”
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The star went on to explain that she “moved to the country to recover” - and was soon left further devastated as her father passed away that winter following his cancer battle. Sheridan has faced more professional difficulties in recent weeks - as her latest West End show, titled Opening Night, was panned by critics and theatre-goers and was forced to close early.
But now she has landed a new role in an ITV true crime drama. The new project, titled I Fought The Law, will see Sheridan play Ann Ming - who took on the system to change the law over Double Jeopardy. The real life Ann - whose daughter, Julie Hogg, was murdered in 1989 - has been closely involved in the writing of the four part drama, which is based on her novel For the Love of Julie. Double Jeopardy Laws in the UK used to prohibit criminals from being re-tried if they were already acquitted.
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Speaking about her new role, Sheridan said: “I am so honoured to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she spent 15 years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law to be changed. She is a truly courageous and remarkable woman to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.”
Ann spent 15 years fighting for the law to be changed - and says she is honoured to have her story brought to screen. She said in a statement: “I am very pleased that Hera Pictures will tell the story of my campaign to overturn the Double Jeopardy Law. My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and a number of years later confessed to her murder, for which he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law. I wasn’t going to let this stand in my way of getting justice for Julie. I’m overwhelmed that Sheridan Smith will be playing me. Having such an iconic and talented actress portray me is truly wonderful.”
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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