Sheridan Smith's life off-screen from James Corden romance to family tragedy

Sheridan Smith has become a familiar face on British television, having appeared in countless beloved TV programmes throughout her career.

The talented actress is set to make a much-anticipated comeback on ITV with her new four-part dramaI Fought the Law, which chronicles the real-life story of Ann Ming, a mum-of-three who battled tirelessly to secure justice following her daughter's tragic murder.

Sheridan takes on the role of Ann in the television series, describing it as an "honour" to be chosen for the part.

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As she graces our screens once more, we delve into Sheridan's private life beyond the spotlight, exploring her tattoo mishaps and notable romantic relationships....

Sheridan's early years

Born in June 1981 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, Sheridan is the daughter of Marylin and Colin Smith. She had a brother Julian, who heartbreakingly died from cancer aged just 18, reports Chronicle Live.

During her childhood, Sheridan trained in dance at the Joyce Mason School of Dancing. Between 1995 and 2001, she was part of the National Youth Music Theatre, where she took on various understudy positions.

Sheridan was educated at South Axholme Comprehensive School before continuing her studies at John Leggott College in Scunthorpe.

In 2016, Sheridan's father Colin received a terminal cancer diagnosis. He passed away later that year.

Career

Throughout her successful career, Sheridan has featured in many popular TV shows and films, beginning in 1999 when she secured the part of Emma in The Royle Family. In 2001, Sheridan landed the role of Janet Keogh in the beloved sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, staying with the programme until 2009.

She brought Smithy's sister Rudi to life in BBC's Gavin and Stacey, whilst also featuring across three series of Grownups.

In recent years, Sheridan has commanded leading roles in numerous television dramas, featuring in Mrs Biggs, The Widower, Cilla, The Moorside, Cleaning Up, The Teacher and The Castaways.

She's also served as a judge on RuPal's Drag Race UK and worked as a mentor on BBC's Over the Rainbow, whilst appearing in countless theatrical productions.

At present, Sheridan is appearing in ITV's four-part drama I Fought the Law, which tells Ann Ming's story.

Tattoo regret

Sheridan sports several striking tattoos, predominantly on one arm, though she's admitted regretting the body art. Her inkwork features an elaborate floral pattern on her upper arm, alongside the words 'Daddy's Girl' on one forearm.

The performer is seldom snapped showing off her tattoos and has routinely concealed the artwork for acting assignments.

In 2023, she discussed masking her tattoos for her part in Paramount+ drama The Castaways, where she portrayed a missing individual.

"I couldn't use my usual stuff to cover them up, it had to be waterproof!" she revealed to Radio Times. "So three people were dabbing away every day to cover it all. I never regretted my tats so much – I'll never have another one."

Sheridan Smith, the beloved actress, got many of her tattoos during a difficult period in 2016, which was triggered by her father's heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

She previously confessed to the BBC: "I had a wobble, covered myself in a tattoos. I lost a lot of confidence around that time, but it has come back thankfully, due to friends and supportive people."

James Corden romance

Sheridan first met fellow actor James Corden on the set of the popular TV series Fat Friends in 2002, and they later starred together as siblings Smithy and Rudi in the hit BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey.

In 2007, Sheridan and James began dating, but unfortunately, their romance ended just a year later. They rekindled their relationship in 2009, but things didn't work out, leaving James admitting he was "heartbroken" over their split.

In an emotional interview with The Times, he revealed: "I was heartbroken and lost. I'd had a relationship with Sheridan which was heartbreaking, when you think something might work and it doesn't. And I felt a bit lost."

Who is Sheridan currently dating?

Over the years, Sheridan has been linked to several well-known faces, including Scottish actor Ross McCall, whom she briefly dated in 2010, and Hollyoaks star Greg Wood, with whom she even got matching tattoos during a fleeting romance in 2015.

In 2018, Sheridan found her match in insurance broker Jamie Horn on Tinder. The couple announced their engagement the following year and welcomed their son Billy in 2020.

However, they never made it to the altar, calling off their engagement in 2021.

Sheridan then rekindled an old flame with Alex Lawler, who she had been involved with two decades earlier. Their romance lasted about a year before news broke of their split in 2022.

Sheridan was next linked to former boxer Dave 'Rocky' Ryan in 2023, but their relationship reportedly "fizzled out" by 2024.

I Fought the Law airs on Sunday, 31 August on ITV1 at 9pm.