Sheridan Smith has spoken about facing her biggest fear in her latest role in new drama The Castaways.
The drama, based on the book of the same name by Lucy Clarke and arriving on Paramount+ on Boxing Day, stars Sheridan and Céline Buckens as sisters.
The series explores the one-on-one investigation into what happened to Sheridan's character Lori when the plane she was flying to Fiji allegedly crashed.
But despite being an experienced actress, the role was one of Sheridan's most challenging yet as it forced her to face one of her greatest fears: water.
The 42-year-old cannot swim and she told The Sun that the fear stemmed from a deep-rooted childhood memory after her parents tried to teach her.
Sheridan Smith, 42, has admitted she had to face her biggest fear for her latest role in new drama The Castaways
The series explores the one-on-one investigation into what happened to Sheridan's character Lori when the plane she was flying to Fiji allegedly crashed
“I went under and couldn't get back up. “I've just been in a panic ever since,” she explained.
Sheridan revealed that when she took on the role, she didn't know it would involve swimming or heights, which the star is also afraid of.
She said, “When do I tell them I can't swim and I'm afraid of heights?” I was committed and just had to try. But I’ve overcome my fears and hope it’s worth it.”
During a question and answer session for the series, the star admitted she was “afraid of water” before she started filming.
She told The Mirror: “I was terrified of water.” And I'm in the water for most of the show. And I'm afraid of heights and I've been up a tree and on a cliff so it was a challenge, but I like challenges and I was in safe hands with the guys so I'm really glad I took it on.”
She continued: “I had a few sessions with the stunt guys, first in the swimming pool, then in the sea.” I couldn't even go underwater without holding my nose. They had to keep sidelining me.
“But I have become braver. The stunt team was great. They were always nearby. So if I had to dive from my depths knowing I couldn’t swim, they would be there to grab me when I surfaced.”
Sheridan is best known for her role as James Corden's sister Rudi on the sitcom Gavin and Stacey.
The star is afraid of water and never learned to swim after her parents tried to teach her
Céline Buckens also plays Sheridan's sister Erin in the drama
Sheridan, who played James Corden's character Smithy's sister Rudi, hinted earlier this week that Gavin and Stacey would not be coming back, despite all fans “wanting” the all-star cast to return.
Earlier this week, she revealed whether she wanted the series to return after fans speculated that the series would return to screens for another special.
Speaking to Jason King and Kelly Brook on Heart Breakfast, Sheridan said she doesn't know if the show will return, but said “so many shows overdo it.”
Sheridan hinted that the show would not be coming back, even though all fans wanted the all-star cast to return.
During her radio appearance she said: “I have no idea if they're going to do more or not, I really don't know.”
To which host JK replied: “I'm sure I saw something that wouldn't exist.”
And Sheridan added: “But I think what they've done is brilliant. You kept it at a high level, didn't you? So many shows overdo it because we all want more, we all want more Gavin & Stacey.”