Sheridan Smith was praised by fans on Monday night for her ’emotional’ performance in ITV’s new drama Isolation Stories.
The pregnant star, 38, played Mel in the fifteen minute episode, which tells four stand-alone stories born out of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far claimed 28,734 lives in the UK alone.
During the show, Sheridan, who is expecting her first child – a boy – with fiancé Jamie Horn later this month, showcased her bare baby bump in a sweet scene where her character sung to her unborn child.
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Praise: Sheridan Smith was praised by fans on Monday night for her ’emotional’ performance in ITV’s new drama Isolation Stories
The star also showcased her growing bump in a collection of maternity clothing with fans gushing over her ‘radiant’ appearance.
Sheridan also offered a glimpse of her home, which she shares with Jamie during the episode, with her insurance broker fiancé filming the scenes for the powerful show.
The episode followed Mel who faces an uncertain future without the father of her child and without her family who have abandoned her.
It also tackled several topics people are facing during the COVID-19 crisis such as loneliness, pregnancy, separated from family, working from home and domestic abuse.
Powerful: The pregnant star, 38, played Mel in the fifteen minute episode, which tells four stand-alone stories born out of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far claimed 28,734 lives in the UK alone
Stunning: During the show, Sheridan, who is expecting her first child with fiancé Jamie Horn, showcased her bare baby bump in a sweet scene where her character sung to her unborn child
Taking to Twitter after the first episode fans praised the award-winning actress’ portrayal and pregnancy glow.
One person said: ‘Sheridan Smith is phenomenal in this. And whoever thought of doing this show… Legend! #IsolationStories.’
A different user put: ‘Wow, impressively powerful for a 15 minute piece, and @Sheridansmith1 looking absolutely radiant! #IsolationStories.’
Radiant: The star also showcased her growing bump in a collection of maternity clothing with fans gushing over her ‘radiant’ appearance
Glowing: Sheridan also offered a glimpse of her home, which she shares with Jamie during the episode, with her insurance broker fiancé filming the scenes for the powerful show
Another follower commented: ‘@Sheridansmith1 That was amazing #IsolationStories . Heartbreaking & beautiful at the same time. The last scene was so special (I may have shed a few tears Crying face) So lovely to have you on our screens again x.’
While a different account added: ‘@Sheridansmith1 I loved today’s #IsolationStories! & you’re glowing! Good luck with the baby!! xxx.’
Sheridan recently revealed that her fiancé Jamie set up the production equipment and handled the cameras while she filmed her scenes.
Important: The episode followed Mel who faces an uncertain future without the father of her child and without her family who have abandoned her
Hard-hitting topics: It also tackled several topics people are facing during the COVID-19 crisis such as loneliness, pregnancy, separated from family, working from home and domestic abuse
She explained: ‘They dropped off lots of camera, lighting and sound equipment at the gate, all disinfected. Jamie was then talked through how it all worked.
‘We had a crew of people on Zoom with us at all times during filming, explaining to Jamie where to place the cameras and lighting, he was amazing and isn’t in the industry so I was so proud of him.
‘He was so good and turned out to be a natural cameraman. They were so impressed that they trusted him to do camera shots that are even tricky with a whole crew.
‘I couldn’t help much with lifting, currently being so pregnant myself, so I was in charge of costume, make up, continuity etc.’
Praise! Taking to Twitter after the first episode fans praised the award-winning actress’ portrayal and pregnancy glow
The actress admits she immediately said yes to the project after an initial approach from Oscar nominated writer and producer Jeff Pope, who laid the foundations for the series after watching wife Tina struggle with coronavirus symptoms.
She said: ‘I am heavily pregnant and have been isolating at home so I jumped at the chance to make a drama about the massive drama going on all around us right now.
‘I think it’s really important to try and reflect what’s happening to us whilst it is still.’
Six weeks of government mandated lockdown has also made Sheridan acutely aware of her good fortune in having Jamie compared to her character Mel.
‘I’m lucky I have the baby coming soon so it’s been a focus for me,’ she said. ‘I think it would be hard for people like the character I play in the drama, as she is on her own.
Wow: Sheridan recently revealed that her fiancé Jamie set up the production equipment and handled the cameras while she filmed her scenes
Fortunate: Six weeks of government mandated lockdown has also made Sheridan acutely aware of her good fortune in having Jamie compared to her character Mel
‘And obviously it’s hard for all the families being kept apart at the minute, so I count myself lucky and we have adapted to this new ‘normal’ for now.
‘Clapping for the carers and watching all the beautiful situations happening have put things into perspective. It’s a terribly sad time for so many.
‘But people coming together encouraging each other to stay strong has been a wonderful thing to witness.’
Robert and Tom Glenister, Eddie Marsan, Angela Griffin, Darren Boyd, David Threlfall, Michael Jibson, Leanne Best and Philip Jackson will also feature in the new four-part series.
Isolation Stories continues at 9pm for four consecutive nights on ITV.
Parents-to-be: Sheridan and Jamie are expecting a baby boy together later this month (pictured at the Pretty Woman press night in March)