Sheridan Smith talks overcoming major fear to become "warrior princess" in new show
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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.
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"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.
"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."
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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.
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