Sheridan Smith to star in new series based on bestselling book

Virgin Radio

5 May 2023, 08:21

Sheridan Smith is set to take a leading role in an upcoming drama series called The Castaways, which is adapted from Lucy Clarke's popular novel of the same name.

The Gavin & Stacey star will feature in the new five-part Paramount+ show alongside Céline Buckens from BBC drama Showtrial.

The pair will play sisters who have a massive fight, after which Lori (played by Smith) gets on a plane to Fiji, whereas Erin (Céline Buckens) does not. 

The flight fails to arrive at its destination and months later no wreckage has been located. 

When Erin learns that Lori’s credit card has been used on a remote Fijian island, she recognizes the pilot on CCTV footage and heads to Fiji to see if she can find out what has happened in an attempt to track her sister down.

The narrative timeline will flip between the perspectives of each sister, with Erin trying to reveal the truth in the present day and Lori fighting to survive when the plane crashes. The truth about what went down is gradually revealed, even though someone is prepared to kill to keep it a secret.

In a statement, the Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps legend said: "I’m so excited to be working with Céline Buckens and to be part of this amazing production bringing Lucy Clarke’s best-selling novel to life.

"And, as I’m currently playing Shirley Valentine in London’s West End, it’s ironic that I finally get to go Greece!"

The Ex-Wife actor Buckens said: "I’m really thrilled to bring Erin to life – she’s a firecracker and the scripts bring layers and darkness to such an arresting premise. I hope audiences will be as hooked watching it as I was reading it."

Author Lucy Clarke took to Instagram to share the news, saying of the two lead actors: "I cannot wait to see what they do with the roles! I was thrilled to be part of the writers room on this one."

There is no announcement at this stage regarding when we can see The Castaways, but filming is reportedly set to start next month. 

Sheridan recently teamed up with former Father Ted icons Pauline McLynn and Ardal O'Hanlon for Sky series Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything. 

The series aired in December, and speaking on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show about the possibility of a second series, the actor - who has won two Olivier Awards, a British Academy Television Award, an NTA and a BPG Award - said: “I don’t know. Hopefully people enjoy the first series and then we’ll make some more.”