Life according to… Cilla star Sheridan Smith talks pregnancy and filming a new drama while in lockdown

Who do you play in Isolation Stories?

Mel, who is self-isolating and expecting a baby in three weeks.

She’s struggling to come to terms with pregnancy and her situation is not ideal, even before the lockdown.

I found her a great character to portray because she goes on an emotional journey.

Why did you want to be involved?

As soon as executive producer Jeff Pope got in touch, I knew I wanted to be part of it.

And I was thrilled Paul Whittington was directing my episode because the three of us worked together on Mrs Biggs, Cilla and The Moorside.

But also to be involved in such a groundbreaking way of making drama – this has never been done before, so I was intrigued as to how it would work.

It’s a great idea to portray the different situations going on all over the UK at this extraordinary time and to do it while we’re living it.

Hopefully it brings something to the TV for people to enjoy and reflect on.

How was it made?

The process was incredibly clever.

I’m not technology-savvy but luckily my fiancé, Jamie, is. Disinfected camera, lighting and sound equipment was dropped off at the gate and Jamie was talked through how it all worked.

We had a crew of people on Zoom with us during filming, explaining to Jamie where to place the cameras and lighting.

He isn’t in the industry but he was amazing and I was so proud of him. They were so impressed they trusted him to do camera shots that are tricky with a whole crew.

I was in charge of costume, make-up, continuity, and so on.

It was completely bonkers for us running around doing lots of jobs but we found it really enjoyable!

A surreal but fun experience. I imagine it was harder for the guys on Zoom as they had lots of technical things to do, each from their own homes while looking after their kids.

It felt like a real collaboration, and I’ve missed everyone being on the iPad with us for 11 hours a day!

Do you think it’s important to reflect our current situation in a drama?

I think there are some amazing stories out there.

I am so moved by things I see online every day from families all over the UK. It makes me so proud of us as a nation.

How has the lockdown been for you?

I’m lucky I have the baby coming soon, as it’s been a focus for me.

I think it would be hard for someone like the character I play in the drama, as she’s on her own.

And obviously it’s hard for all the families being kept apart, so I count myself lucky.

It’s a terribly sad time for many, but people coming together to encourage each other to stay strong has been wonderful to witness.

Sheridan Smith, Robert Glenister, Eddie Marsden & Angela Griffin star in Isolation Stories, ITV, Mon-Thur, 9pm.