Sheridan Smith unveils dramatic new look for role as grieving mum Ann Ming for powerful real-life drama

SHERIDAN Smith looks almost unrecognisable after transforming into grieving mum Ann Ming for a new powerful real life drama.

The actress, 43, has taken on the role of the former nurse in ITV's upcoming TV show I Fought The Law.

I Fought The Law, written by screenwriter Jamie Crichton, is based on Ann's novel For The Love of Julie.

Ann lost her daughter 22-year-old Julie Hogg in 1989 when she was murdered in County Durham by William 'Billy' Dunlop.

The new four-part drama is based on the true events that happened and everything that she did to get William behind bars for his crime.

Sheridan has recently been seen filming in Teeside for the programme.

New pictures show Sheridan wearing a short blonde wig, beige mac and floral dress as Ann.

Sheridan looks totally distraught as the heartbroken mum in the upcoming scene where she finds out what has happened to her beloved daughter.

Ann and Sheridan have become close since filming for I Fought The Law has started.

Former nurse Ann will also help and be part of the production process.

Speaking about the upcoming drama, Ann said: "My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and a number of years later confessed to her murder, for which he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law.

"I wasn’t going to let this stand in my way of getting justice for Julie.

"I’m overwhelmed that Sheridan Smith will be playing me.

"Having such an iconic and talented actress portray me is truly wonderful.”

On November 16 1989, single mum Julie went missing in Billingham, Cleveland, after her late shift at a pizza parlour.

The police classified the case as a missing persons, but three months later Ann found her behind a bath panel in her home.

Despite finding Julie’s keys under William's floorboards, he was found not guilty.

But then 10 years later, while in prison for another crime, he bragged about how he wouldn't be punished for the crime that he did because of the double jeopardy law.

It was repealed in 2005 and he was jailed for life the following year.

Sheridan has starred in various TV shows over the years.

Some include: Four Lives, Gavin and Stacey, The Teacher and The Moorside.

The star is "honoured" to take on the new role.

Sheridan said: “I am so honoured to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she spent 15 years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law to be changed.

"She is a truly courageous and remarkable woman to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.”