Vera and Corrie villain land new role in Sheridan Smith drama after exit

Sheridan Smith is set to star alongside a host of familiar faces in the new ''true'' crime drama, I Fought the Law, which has been filming in Newcastle. The cast boasts actors from popular shows such as Vera, The Bill, and Doctor Who.

Newcastle was abuzz last month as ITV crews took over Dean Street to start filming the series, based on the tragic murder of a young woman from County Durham in the 1980s.

The drama, also known as Fight for the Truth, recounts the story of a mother's tireless quest for justice for her daughter's killer, taking on the criminal justice system in the process. Sheridan steps into the shoes of Ann Ming, the mother of Julie Hogg who was tragically murdered in Billingham in 1989 at just 22 years old.

Besides filming in the heart of Newcastle, scenes were also captured in nearby Shiremoor. Here, former Cilla and No Return actress Sheridan was seen delivering some emotionally intense moments as her character wrestled with the distressing events.

An 'urgent' call was also put out for locals to join in as extras in the series, according to Chronicle Live.

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As locals who landed roles eagerly await their moment in the spotlight, ITV has unveiled additional casting details for 'I Fought the Law'.

The cast is peppered with some serious acting talent, including ex-Coronation Street actor Jack James Ryan, acclaimed for his stints in Vera and the controversial ITV show Passenger, as well as Andrew Lancel, who is lauded in the North East for portraying Neil Manson in The Bill and Corrie's infamous Frank Foster.

Also gracing the lineup are Marlowe Chan-Reeves of Doctor Who fame, Olivia Ng from Phoenix Rise, Jake Davies, recognised for Grace, and Kent Riley seen in Mr Bates vs. The Post Office.

Jack James Ryan may be fondly remembered by fans for playing Greg Stein in Vera before making a splash as Jacob Hay on Coronation Street.

Attention has recently pivoted to Jack's career moves following news that acclaimed Vera star Brenda Blethyn was bowing out of the series.

Brenda touched the hearts of viewers earlier this year with an emotional piece explaining her decision to retire Vera's distinctive hat and coat.

Subsequently, ITV chiefs disclosed that 2025 will bring the curtain down on the beloved series, aligning Brenda's farewell with the concluding season.

Reflecting on her tenure, Brenda expressed: "Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I'm sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years.

"The Producers, dream cast, and crew have been fabulous and I'm going to miss them, but I won't forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter, or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the northeast, and our fans worldwide."

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," she concluded.

Vera is available to watch on the ITV Hub.