Sheridan Smith is set to launch her own music career.
Sheridan Smith
The 36-year-old actress has signed a deal with East West Records, who look after musicians Robert Plant, Simply Red and Boyzone, and, under her partnership with the firm, the blonde-haired beauty will make her debut album and release it later this year.
And the 'Cilla' star - who portrayed the late Cilla Black in the mini drama series - has admitted she always dreamed of releasing her own songs when she was a child.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper about her latest venture, she said: "It has been an ambition since I was a child to record my own album."
And the 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' actress is "incredibly excited" for the project, and to compile a collection of her "favourite songs" for her LP.
She added: "So I'm incredibly excited to be recording some of my favourite songs."
Sheridan has endured a particularly tough time recently after she lost her beloved father Colin at the age of 80 to cancer in December last year, which took its toll on her acting career as she was forced to cancel her performance at the 'Royal Variety Show' at the beginning of the festive season so that she could grieve for him.
And the star also missed weeks of the production of 'Funny Girl' in London due to "stress and exhaustion", and again in June after she contracted mumps.
A statement said at the time: "Sheridan Smith will be taking a leave of absence from 'Funny Girl' due to stress and exhaustion.
"The entire team at 'Funny Girl' is thinking of Sheridan, and know she is getting the rest and support she needs during this difficult and stressful time.
"We will all miss her enormously and send her our love and best wishes - and we are looking forward to her return to the show in due course."
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