Starstruck | Interview with Sheridan Smith

What can viewers expect from this new entertainment show?

It’s the perfect Saturday night show. I grew up with all the variety shows so I think it’s been a while since we’ve had something like this. There are lots of talent shows but this is pretty special in that it’s members of the public not celebrities, dressing up as their icons and not just one, three of them!

How are you finding it and what kind of judge are you?

I think I am the easily pleased judge if I’m honest. I take my hat off to all of them, I’m nervous just sitting in the chair and the stage is epic. These are people who are a mechanic by day and Elton John by night, to me it’s mind blowing that they can do that, so I’m in awe of them. Their families must be so proud, I’m just on my feet, I’m almost like a proud mum. I am so behind them all and I want them to do well, I know what a big thing it is to step out on the stage, in front of the nation as well. I guess as the actress, who has played roles like Cilla, I’m looking for more mannerisms and embodying the character, not just sounding alike. A lot of people can do caricatures of people whereas I’m kind of more about the little details and that’s kind of my role.

What do you think your fellow judges bring to the panel?

The other judges are great. Jason is a comedian so he’s all about entertainment, Adam is like the best singer in the world and knows all about the kind of voice and the sound of the voice as does Beverley. Beverley and Adam give amazing critiques.

Have you been surprised by the talent?

They all sound brillant. It’s really hard as a judge because they are all so brilliant and it’s just so hard to choose between them. They are all brilliant in their own way, I just wish I had a golden buzzer or like a wild card because there’s so many that you don’t want to go home. It’s a hard competition but they are the best of the best. I think there is going to be some amazing surprises for the public.

What advice would you give to the contestants that are performing?

What I’ve seen so far is just nerves of steel. What’s lovely for me personally is to see them living their dream! It’s so lovely to see the transformations. To see someone who maybe comes across as really shy in their VT and they are playing a character that’s an extrovert or it’s the other way around and they are quite bubbly playing someone really introverted – that’s why i’m fascinated by the acting side of things. It’s not just a singing contest, it’s way more, there’s no record deal at the end but it’s about them becoming their idol and you can tell they’ve studied them. I’m honestly blown away by every show by what they do so I don’t think I could give them any advice other than that they are brilliant – I’d like them to give me advice on my next role!

You are so successful in your acting and stage career. Why did you decide to be a judge on this show and why now?

Do you know what? I guess part of it is having a son, you know I’ve always kind of shied away from talent shows before. I think maybe I was scared to step out of my comfort zone which was being an actress. It’s about making him proud and if I push myself out of my comfort zone, that’s good. I was very flattered to be asked to be honest because they could have had anyone but I’m loving it.

If you could transform yourself into another music icon, who would it be and why?

It would be Dolly Parton without a shadow of a doubt. I am obsessed with her. My Mum and Dad were a country and western duo so I grew up with country music. A pair of fake boobs and a big blonde wig. I’d have to practice the voice but she is my idol so that’s who I would want to be.

Have you ever been starstruck?

All the time! When I was sixteen and moved to London. I saw a guy on the bus that was on a Dulux advert and I genuinely ran over to him so excited and I’ve kind of not changed in all those years. I’ve started to get used to working with actors and even then I’m like Dame Maggie Smith – I’m in awe of all these people. I am getting genuinely starstruck on this show just by the contestants so the whole thing is just brilliant for me.

You knew Jason before, have you ever worked with him?

Jason was the warm up act on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps all those years ago. We had different ones that came for different shows but he was always our favourite one. And then years later when I saw him popping up on 8 Out of 10 Cats and he was doing his stand up, I was so proud of him. We recently did The Royal Variety Show together, he was hosting and I was singing Cilla and then a few days later he texted me and said we are working together on Starstruck.

Is it going to be refreshing and nice for viewers to see you for you?

I really hope so. It’s scary because I’m just not used to it. I get really nervous and I think most actors do when it comes to being themselves. I hosted another show Pooch Perfect but that was not filmed like this, it was very casual and you’re there all day surrounded by dogs which is my biggest love after my son. It’s very different to being sat on a panel with all that glam and the production. Hopefully I will be the eyes of the public and just say it how I see it!