Sheridan Smith has revealed her baby son is the best thing that's ever happened to her - despite splitting from his dad.
The actress, 40, worked up until she was “about to pop” before giving birth to Billy in May 2020.
At the time she was engaged to insurance broker Jamie Horn, but the pair have since separated.
"I try to take him everywhere with me, he’s like my little shadow," she told Notebook magazine of Billy.
"We’re like two peas in a pod, he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
"So long as I can keep working and have my little boy with me then I’m happy."
The mum-of-one admits she loves to keep busy - she even did a documentary when she was pregnant - but that her priorities have changed since becoming a mum.
"Now I’ve got a son he’s always my priority, but things have really changed," she said.
"Production companies are great and they allow your little ones to come out and stay with you.
"If work meant I couldn’t see Billy I’d probably cut back, but I love working and sometimes I’m better when I’m working because it keeps my mind focused."
She’s one of Britain’s busiest stars, so it’s no surprise to see Sheridan back on our screens.
But that doesn’t mean we’re any less excited.
Her latest project, The Teacher , sees her take on the role of flawed staff member Jenna.
She’s popular with the kids, but as her chaotic private life begins to catch up with her, Jenna’s accused of sleeping with a pupil.
Sheridan is no stranger to dealing with big subject matters, having played plenty of real people throughout her career, including Shannon Matthews campaigner Julie Bushby (The Moorside), the wife of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs (Mrs Biggs), and earlier this month, the mum of a victim of serial killer Anthony Walgate in Four Lives.
Nevertheless, the mum admits that she often finds herself getting pulled too deeply into the emotions of her characters.
“I put my heart and soul into them, which isn’t a good thing sometimes because you’ve got to be able to switch off,” she explains.
However, Sheridan reveals that she’s “not as bad” since having her son Billy.
“I’m able to come home and say, ‘OK the day is done, I’m going back to my baby.’”
