Sheridan Smith has spoken about overcoming a major fear while filming new survival thriller The Castaways.
Adapted from Lucy Clarke's best-selling novel of the same name, the Paramount+ series follows sisters Lori and Erin (played by Smith and Showtrial's Céline Buckens), whose resort holiday takes a horrifying turn.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Smith revealed how the unique role allowed her to conquer her fears. "I was terrified of water and I'm in water for most of the show. And I'm scared of heights and I was up a tree and on a cliff so it was a challenge," she began.
Related: Sheridan Smith announced for new thriller adapted from popular book
"But I like a challenge. And I was in safe hands, so I'm really pleased I took it and we got to film in Greece for six weeks. How amazing."
The actress went on to describe the intense training she had to undergo ahead of filming the Lost-style show, saying: "I had a few sessions with the stunt guys, first in a swimming pool then in the sea. I couldn't even go underwater without holding my nose. They had to keep putting me in the shallow end. But I did get braver.
What to Read Next
"The stunt team was amazing. They were always nearby, so if I had to dive out of my depth, knowing that I couldn't swim, then they'd be nearby to grab me when I came up."
The show's directors Andy and Ryan Tohill added that the Gavin and Stacey actress went from refusing to "open her eyes in the water, to having a full fight sequence, like an absolute warrior princess."
Related: Virgin River's Martin Henderson opens up on "serious" health issue
Despite the challenging filming process, Smith shared how much she enjoyed the project. "I loved it. I've never done anything like this before," she said.
"I'm used to playing cardigan-wearing mums up north somewhere. But yeah, [the directors] really helped me and gave me loads of confidence. And I absolutely loved it. I definitely would love to do more of this genre. If I get cast. We'll see how it goes."
The series also stars Brendan Cowell (Avatar: The Way of Water), Lasarus Ratuere (The Leftovers), Dominic Tighe (Suspicion) and Charlotte Vega (Warrior Nun).
The Castaways will premiere on Paramount+ on December 26, 2023.
You Might Like...
Sara is an entertainment journalist who specialises in TV and film. After studying journalism at the University of Roehampton, Sara joined Digital Spy in 2023, writing news (and the occasional feature) on all things entertainment. She has also written for the culture desk at The Evening Standard. A lover of all things TV and film, Sara can wax lyrical about everything from Bridgerton to The Witcher. She can also recite entire episodes of New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Parks and Recreation. In her spare time, Sara loves to knit, crochet and cross-stitch. Also a musical theatre aficionado, Sara counts Samantha Barks as one of her heroes and is a loyal fan of Jodie Comer.
Previously Deputy TV Editor at Digital Spy and, before that, a TV Reporter at The Mirror, Rebecca can now be found crafting expert analysis of the TV landscape, when she's not talking on the BBC or Times Radio about everything from the latest season of Bridgerton or The White Lotus to whatever chaos is unfolding in the various Love Island villas. When she's not bingeing a boxset, in-the-wild sightings of Rebecca have included stints on the National TV Awards and BAFTAs red carpets, and post-match video explainers of the reality TV we're all watching.
