Sheridan Smith Opens Up On Grief And Resilience

Sheridan Smith, the acclaimed British actress known for her magnetic stage and screen presence, made a heartfelt appearance on Saturday Kitchen Live on January 24, 2026. The episode, hosted by Matt Tebbutt and featuring chefs Jack Stein and Poppy O'Toole, offered more than culinary delights—it became an unexpected window into Smith’s ongoing journey through grief, resilience, and the unwavering support of her fans.

Smith, whose career has spanned everything from the West End’s Legally Blonde to acclaimed television dramas, has been candid in recent years about the deeply personal challenges she faced after losing her father, Colin, to cancer in December 2016. Colin’s diagnosis came earlier that year, and his passing at the age of 80 left a mark on Sheridan that would shape her life and work in profound ways.

During a moving appearance on Lorraine in 2018, Smith opened up about the emotional turmoil she experienced in the wake of her father’s death. She didn’t shy away from describing the sense of chaos that overtook her, saying, “I was spiralling out of control and I was making mistakes, doing things I really regret because I wasn’t in my right frame of mind, so I kind of understand that will get backlash and people will think, ‘What’s going on?’” According to Entertainment Daily, Smith’s candor resonated with many viewers who have faced similar struggles with grief and mental health.

The actress revealed that her anxiety did not begin with her father’s illness but had been a lingering presence since her breakthrough role in Legally Blonde. She described a persistent sense of imposter syndrome, explaining, “My anxiety started with Legally Blonde. It’s like imposter syndrome and then you think, this can’t be happening to me because I’m not good enough.” With each new role, Smith felt both gratitude and trepidation, fearing that she might not live up to expectations. “And the more roles I got, which I was grateful for, I was scared that I wasn’t good enough. It was a really tough time leading up [to her dad’s death],” she continued.

Before Colin’s passing, Smith was already navigating a maze of medical diagnoses and medication changes, which came with their own set of challenges. She spoke openly about the physical and emotional toll this period took on her, including side effects such as weight gain. For many, her willingness to share these details brought a rare honesty to the public conversation about mental health in the entertainment industry.

Fast forward to 2024, and Smith’s reflections on her journey had softened with gratitude. In an interview with the BBC, she expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support she received from the public during her most difficult moments. “I am very grateful because the public always stood by me, even though whatever went on in the press,” she said. “They understood that when you are grieving, you can’t really explain what you go through and people were stopping me and cuddling me on the street.”

It’s a sentiment that underscores the unique relationship Smith has cultivated with her audience. In a world where celebrities often feel distant or untouchable, her openness has invited empathy rather than judgment. Fans from her hometown near Doncaster have been particularly steadfast, often traveling to London to cheer her on in person. Smith fondly recalled how “the whole village turned up to see Legally Blonde wearing pink cowboy hats”—a whimsical image that speaks volumes about the community’s pride and affection for one of their own.

On the recent Saturday Kitchen Live episode, Smith was in good company. The show, a staple of British weekend television, was hosted by the ever-charming Matt Tebbutt, with culinary contributions from Jack Stein and Poppy O’Toole. Olly Smith, known for his effervescent wine pairings, selected drinks for the occasion, while Gregg Boyd cooked up a special Burns Night treat, adding a festive Scottish twist to the proceedings. The mix of laughter, food, and heartfelt conversation made for a memorable broadcast. According to the Press Association, Smith’s presence brought a warmth and authenticity to the episode that resonated with viewers.

While the show’s focus was on leisure, hobbies, and the pleasures of cooking, Smith’s appearance reminded audiences that even amid celebration, life’s more challenging moments are never far away. Her willingness to discuss her struggles with anxiety and grief, both in the past and present, offered comfort and solidarity to those who may be facing similar battles in silence.

Smith’s journey has not been a solitary one. The public’s response—whether in the form of supportive messages, spontaneous hugs on the street, or entire villages donning pink hats—has been a testament to the power of community. In an age where social media can amplify both criticism and kindness, Smith’s experience stands as a reminder that empathy can prevail, even in the harsh glare of the spotlight.

Her story also highlights the often-overlooked reality that success in the entertainment industry comes with its own set of pressures. For Smith, the fear of not being “good enough” lingered even as her star rose. Balancing professional triumphs with personal pain is a challenge familiar to many, but rarely discussed so openly. By sharing her vulnerabilities, Smith has helped to chip away at the stigma surrounding mental health—a contribution as meaningful as any of her performances.

As Smith continues to navigate her career and personal life, her gratitude for the support she has received remains evident. Her words, “I am very grateful because the public always stood by me,” are not just a nod to her fans, but a message to anyone who has ever felt alone in their grief. It’s a powerful reminder that, sometimes, the simple act of showing up—whether in a theater, on the street, or through a television screen—can make all the difference.

With her appearance on Saturday Kitchen Live, Sheridan Smith once again demonstrated that resilience and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive. Her story, marked by loss, struggle, and the kindness of strangers, continues to inspire—and, perhaps, to heal.