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Sheridan Smith’s ’60s-set drama jumps into Netflix’s UK top 10 and it’s been called ‘best on TV for years’

BBG News

Sheridan Smith’s real-life period drama Cilla has entered the UK’s TV top 10 on Netflix.

In the ’60s, the 2014 miniseries written by Jeff Pope, titled “Cilla,” follows Smith as Cilla Black (originally Priscilla White), detailing her journey from local clubs in Liverpool to stardom, her bond with a rising band known as The Beatles, and her love life.

Praised by viewers as one of the “top dramas on TV for years” in IMDb audience reviews, the show Cilla is quickly rising through the service’s top 10 list, currently holding the ninth position. Some viewers have also described it as an “unexpectedly great” biographical series about a “music icon”.

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In addition to Smith, the show features Ed Stoppard portraying Brian Epstein, a music manager known for overseeing the careers of both Cilla and The Beatles.

In this production, Aneurin Barnard takes on the role of the singer Bobby Willis. Meanwhile, Danny Burns portrays the part of the drummer Johnny Hutchinson from the group The Big Three. Lastly, Jack Farthing steps into the shoes of the iconic John Lennon.

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that the show garnered an overwhelming number of favorable critiques, and I personally was blown away by Smith’s portrayal of Black. Their performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as acknowledged by The Guardian.

The performance is so extraordinary, similar to Julie Walters portraying Mo Mowlam, where the actress seems to embody the real character rather than just play her. It becomes difficult for the audience to distinguish between seeing the actual person and watching a portrayal.”

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“This performance, like Julie Walters as Mo Mowlam, transcends acting; the actress effectively transforms into the real character to such an extent that it’s challenging for viewers not to confuse the portrayal with the real person, in this case, Cilla Black.

Smith will next be seen in another real-life story, TV series I Fought the Law.

The show draws inspiration from Ann Ming’s real-life story as told in her non-fiction book, For the Love of Julie. It explores Ming’s fight to change the British double jeopardy law after the tragic death of her daughter.

Smith plays Ming, with Daniel York Loh portraying Ann’s husband Charlie.

Cilla is streaming on Netflix in the UK. I Fought the Law will air on ITV.

Grab a copy of “British Comedy Legends” from your local newsstand or online platforms for only £3.99.

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2025-06-02 13:18

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