Sheridan Smith has posed topless as she revealed her exciting career move.
The award-winning actress, 41, has had a stellar career, but now she's bagged the titular role of Shirley Valentine in London's West End.
The mum-of-one will be starring in the solo show from the 17th of February next year for 12 weeks and posted a "stunning pic" to share her news.
Submerged in aquamarine water, Sheridan looks longingly at the camera with her blonde hair piled on top of her head.
Captioning the snap, she wrote: "Very very excited to be returning to the west end in this wonderful play @shirleyonstage @dukeofyorksldn".
Fans flocked to the comments section to congratulate the star, with one writing: "Amazing and beautiful," while another simply said: "Stunning."
The much-loved play, penned by Willy Russell in 1986 tells the tale of bored Liverpudlian housewife Shirley who goes to Greece on a voyage of self-discovery.
The play was turned into a film in 1989, starring Pauline Collins in the titular role and Tom Conti as Greek heartthrob Costas Caldes.
When Doncaster-born Sheridan announced her news, many fans thought the iconic role was made for the actress, who has strutted her stuff on stage before.
The Emmy-nominated actress is best known for stage roles such as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre and Doris in Flare Path at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Speaking about bagging the prestigious gig at the Duke of York theatre, Sheridan told Radio 2 she was "honoured".
“As a mum now myself I’m delighted to be playing theatre’s best-loved mum," she gushed.
“I am honoured to be entrusted by Willy Russell to bring his Shirley to life once again in the West End. Now, to practise cooking chips and egg!"
The play will be directed by Matthew Dunster, who also directed the 2021 West End thriller, 2:22 A Ghost Story, which received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for best new play.
Speaking about Sheridan's casting, David Pugh, the producer of the play and two-time Tony award-winner, said: “Back in 1986 I was lucky enough to see the first ever production of Shirley Valentine in Liverpool.
“I have begged Willy to one day let me produce a revival of Shirley Valentine when the casting was right.
"That day is now and both Will and I believe Sheridan Smith is the perfect Shirley Valentine."
Fans will next see The Two Pints star in CBBC’s adaptation of David Walliams ’ Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!, which will air on Friday, December 16.
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