Sheridan Smith looked in great spirits on Thursday as she was pictured on the set of her new BBC One crime drama The Cage in Liverpool.

The actress, 43, was seen sharing a giggle with the crew while relaxing during her downtime in between takes.

Cutting a casual figure in a mauve tracksuit and white trainers, Sheridan looked happier than ever while mingling with her colleagues.

The star was also seen sporting a black padded jacket at one point, with her laidback look finished off with gold jewellery. 

Sheridan’s relaxed look comes in contrast to the office-chic ensemble she wore the previous day, with the beauty seen filming the new drama for the first time alongside co-star Michael Socha.   

Written and created by BAFTA nominated Tony Schumacher (The Responder) the BBC One drama follows Leanne (Smith) and Matty (Socha) who discover they are both robbing from the safe at the inner-city casino they work in. 

Sheridan Smith looked in great spirits on Thursday as she was pictured on the set of her new BBC One crime drama The Cage in Liverpool

The actress, 43, was seen sharing a giggle with the crew while relaxing during her downtime in between takes

The five-part drama will be directed by Al Mackay (Kidnapped, Without Sin).

Writer Tony teased: ‘I’m hoping people will find it funny, dark but, most of all, full of love, life and entertainment. ‘I can’t wait for the world to see it.’ 

The new role comes after it was revealed that Sheridan had indefinitely shelved her long-awaited autobiography, Honestly.

Announced in 2021, the tell-all book was intended to explore the actress’s darkest moments, including her battles with alcohol, mental health struggles and high-profile relationships, such as those with actor James Corden and Jamie Horn, the father of her son.

However, after multiple delays, the project has been cancelled. A source revealed to The Sun: ‘Sheridan has had a busy few years and didn’t have time to put the finishing touches to the book.

‘Her mindset is different now, and she doesn’t want this version to come out. She felt unsure whether she wants to put all of her life on pages for everyone to read.’

This decision came as no surprise to fans familiar with The Huntsman performer’s long-standing struggles.

In 2016, the actress faced a highly publicised breakdown while starring in the West End production of Funny Girl. 

Cutting a casual figure in a mauve tracksuit and white trainers, Sheridan looked happier than ever while mingling with her colleagues

Sheridan couldn’t take the smile off her face as she had a laugh during a break from filming

The star was also seen sporting a black padded jacket at one point, with her laidback look finished off with gold jewellery

The star was seen chatting with a pal as she took a seat in between takes

Sheridan certainly appeared to be having a good time on the set of her latest drama

Read More Sheridan Smith is seen filming new BBC One drama The Cage in Liverpool for the first time

Stress, exhaustion and her father’s cancer diagnosis compounded her mental health issues, forcing her to take a hiatus from the show.

Reflecting on that period, Sheridan admitted: ‘I was very ashamed of that time in my life.

‘I went off the rails a bit, dated all the wrong people… I feel like I’m a mum now, and I’m very grateful for everything I’ve got. I feel like the best is yet to come.’

The BAFTA-winning actress has never shied away from discussing her mental health battles, often tying them to the pressures of fame and loss.

Her father’s death in 2016 profoundly affected her, leading to an extended period of grief.

‘The public always stood by me… People were stopping me and cuddling me on the street,’ she shared in a recent interview, expressing graтιтude for the understanding she received during that time.

Her most recent West End play, Opening Night, which she described as ‘close to the bone’, highlighted the parallels between her own struggles and those of her character, a functioning alcoholic actress unraveling under pressure.

Despite Sheridan’s dedication to the role, the production faced harsh criticism and an early closure, as producers blamed a ‘challenging financial landscape’ for the shock decision.