Cancer role earns Sheridan Smith Best Actress nomination in BAFTAs

This year, her nomination is for her starring role in The C-Word, as cancer victim Lisa Lynch, who sadly did not live to see the film completed.

Mrs Lynch wrote first a blog, then a book as she underwent treatment for breast cancer after being diagnosed aged 28. She became good friends with Sheridan as work progressed, and the film was screened in May last year.

Sheridan was previously nominated for her portrayal of late Liverpudlian star Cilla Black, and she will appear in drama The Moorcroft Project, from the same producer, later this year. It covers the faked kidnapping of Dewsbury schoolgirl Shannon Matthews in 2008.

Competing for the Best Actress BAFTA award this year alongside Miss Smith will be Claire Foy, for Wolf Hall, Ruth Madeley for Don’t Take My Baby, and Suranne Jones for Doctor Foster.

A glittering ceremony will take place on May 8 at the Royal Festival Hall in London, hosted by Graham Norton.

The C-Word will also compete for Best Single Drama in the BAFTAs.