Sheridan Smith returned to Liverpool to film The Cage last year, just over a decade after she played the iconic singer Cilla Black in the 2014 ITV drama Cilla
Sheridan Smith says she feels like an ‘adopted Scouser'(Image: BBC)
Sheridan Smith was left red-faced after hearing a local’s comment about her as she walked through Liverpool. The 44-year-old says she feels like an “adopted Scouser” after playing the iconic singer Cilla Black.
Sheridan secured a National Television Award and a TV Choice Award for the 2014 ITV series Cilla. She admits she has since become “obsessed” with Liverpool and in particular the hospitality shown by locals.
She was however left taken aback by one comment when she was filming the series. Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Sheridan said: “I do feel like an adopted Scouser and they do tell me that, which is lovely.
“I just love the city, I’m just obsessed with the people, they’re so friendly, although when I was doing Cilla, I do remember someone going past and they went, ‘Who’s that, Lulu?’
“But they’re just brilliant and fun and I do feel that after Cilla came out they’ve kind of taken me under their wing. So to be back there was great, they were bringing me cups of tea, inviting me around, inviting me out, it was great, I love them.
Sheridan Smith was spotted driving in Liverpool last year(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
“I love playing Cilla, because obviously she’s so iconic and well known, I mean the teeth helped, but I did a lot of research on her three months before and training my voice to sound a bit like her. But we recorded the songs live, the history of the Cavern Club, of Liverpool, is amazing.”
Sheridan’s latest drama, The Cage, begins tonight from 9pm on BBC One. It follows two casino employees who catch each other stealing from their place of work.
Also starring Michael Socha, the series follows the pair as they agree to abandon their plans, only to find their lives spiralling out of control. It lands them on a high-stakes crash course with gangsters, the law, and even each other.
Sheridan as Cilla Black in 2014(Image: ITV)
The role saw Sheridan, who plays Leanne, returning to Liverpool for filming. In June last year she was spotted driving a mustard yellow Fiat Multipla through the city centre as TV crews were setting up for what appeared to be a car chase scene.
Filming continued on Brunswick Street with two other actors, Barry Sloane and Sophie Mensah, who portray Gary and Fen. The Cage will run for five episodes.
Sheridan stars as Leanne in The Cage(Image: BBC)
And Sheridan has previously spoken of her fondness for Liverpool. She said: “I love Liverpool that is my favourite city. I feel like an adopted Scouser. The people were so nice, we were invited over for cups of tea and people were bringing out doughnuts and biscuits. I just love that city from when I did Cilla. It was lovely being there, and seeing all the landmarks.”
Sheridan, who originally hails from Lincolnshire, has previously said she feels as though she is “coming home” when she returns to Liverpool. Speaking to the Echo in 2023, she said: “I’ve got earrings saying Scouser and I should have worn them tonight. I love this city.”