Sheridan Smith's real-life period drama Cilla has entered the UK's TV top 10 on Netflix.
Set in the 1960s, the 2014 limited series from writer Jeff Pope stars Smith as singer Cilla Black (real name, Priscilla White), chronicling her rise to fame from Liverpool clubs, her friendship with a little band called The Beatles and her romantic relationships.
Hailed by fans as the "best drama series on TV for years" on IMDb's audience reviews, Cilla is on its way to climb the streamer's top 10, where it currently sits at number 9. Another viewers called the series a "surprisingly good" biopic of a "music institution".
Alongside Smith, the series stars Ed Stoppard as music manager Brian Epstein, who managed Cilla as well as The Beatles.
Aneurin Barnard stars as singer Bobby Willis, with Danny Burns playing The Big Three's drummer Johnny Hutchinson, and Jack Farthing featuring as John Lennon.
What to Read Next
The series received mostly positive reviews from critics, with The Guardian praising Smith's performance as Black, deeming it "extraordinary".
"It's one of those extraordinary performances, like Julie Walters as Mo Mowlam, when an actress does more than play a real character; she becomes her, to the extent that it's hard for the viewer not to forget they're not actually watching a young Cilla Black," the review reads.
Related: Best streaming services
Smith will next be seen in another real-life story, TV series I Fought the Law.
Inspired by Ann Ming's non-fiction book For the Love of Julie, the series will delve into Ming's campaign to overturn the British double jeopardy law following the murder of her daughter.
Smith plays Ming, with Daniel York Loh portraying Ann's husband Charlie.
Cilla is streaming on Netflix in the UK. I Fought the Law will air on ITV.
Digital Spy's first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
