Sheridan Smith to star as Shirley Valentine in the West End

Smith will take on the role of theatre's best-loved mum' in Willy Russell's play in London in February

Sheridan Smith is to return to the West End stage next year in Willy Russell's 1986 comedy Shirley Valentine.

The star said that she was honoured to be entrusted" by the playwright to take on the role of a Liverpudlian woman whose life is in the doldrums and who dreams of escape while talking to the kitchen wall. As a mum now myself I'm delighted to be playing theatre's best-loved mum," said Smith, adding that it was time for her to practise cooking chips and egg" - the expected dinner of Shirley's husband.