Sheridan Smith makes epic TV return in twisted new thriller The Castaways
LEADING lady Sheridan Smith looks set to make her TV return in a gritty new thriller based on a best-selling book.
Sheridan, 41, is set to take on the leading role in Paramount+'s upcoming show, The Castaways.
The new UK based drama will consist of five 60 minute episodes and will stream exclusively on the Paramount+ streaming network.
The Castaways is based on the novel of the same name by Lucy Clarke.
Starring alongside Sheridan will be Belgian-British actress Céline Buckens, most recognised for her role as Talitha Campbell in the BBC mini-series Showtrial.
Sheridan and Céline will kick off filming on the high-stakes drama in the tropical locations of Greece and Fiji next month.
More on Sheridan Smith
Speaking of appearing in the drama, Sheridan 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!”
Sheridan will play the role of Lori whilst Céline stars as her on-screen sister, Erin.
The show will follow the sisters after they embark on the trip of a lifetime to Fiji but disaster soon strikes when the plane carrying Lori never lands on the island.
Most read in TV
As the months pass, no wreckage or sign of life of any of the passengers is discovered and Erin remains the only person attempting to continue to shine a spotlight on the apparent tragedy.
Back in the UK, Erin is left stunned when she sees that Lori's credit card has been used at a remote village in Fiji.
The show will follow the sisters from their own worlds as Lori navigates her way through life after being involved in a crash on a remote island and her struggle for survival.
But just exactly what happened?
For Lori and the remaining passengers, one of them would kill to keep the actions of the day a closely guarded secret.
The book's author Lucy Clarke expressed her delight that Paramount+ had picked up the story to be turned into a TV programme.
In a statement, she said: “I'm so delighted that THE CASTAWAYS is being made for Paramount+.
"It promises to be an incredible adaptation; the scriptwriting is electric, and Sheridan and Céline are perfectly cast as Lori and Erin. It is such fun working with the teams at Clapperboard and BlackBox who couldn't be more passionate about bringing my novel to life.”
Céline added of the project: “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.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"I hope audiences will be as hooked watching it as I was reading it.”
Paramount+ are expected to release details, such as premiere date, in due course.