Sheridan Smith, star of the new BBC drama The Cage, has revealed she was left red-faced after being mistaken for a celebrity 33 years her senior. The 44-year-old actress, known for roles in The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, was walking through Liverpool when a passer-by confused her with 77-year-old Scottish singer Lulu.
An Awkward Encounter in Liverpool
Appearing on BBC Radio 2, Sheridan recalled the moment: "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?'"
The actress, who won a National Television Award and a TV Choice Award for her portrayal of Cilla Black in the ITV drama Cilla, says the role made her "obsessed" with Liverpool. She added: "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."
The Cage: New Thriller on BBC One
Sheridan's latest series, The Cage, premieres tonight at 9pm on BBC One. The five-part thriller centres on two casino workers who discover each other stealing from their employer. Co-starring Michael Socha, the show follows the duo as they agree to stop their schemes, only to see their lives spiral into chaos involving criminals, police, and each other.
Filming took place in Liverpool, where Sheridan was spotted driving a mustard yellow Fiat Multipla through the city centre during a car chase sequence. Production also featured Barry Sloane and Sophie Mensah.
Sheridan's Love for Liverpool
The Lincolnshire-born actress has often expressed her affection for the city. 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." In 2023, she told the Echo: "I've got earrings saying Scouser and I should have worn them tonight. I love this city."
