Sheridan Smith and baby bump make lockdown TV debut as Mel in Isolation Stories

Sheridan Smith is to appear in the first episode of an emotional new television series called Isolation Stories.

The actress, 38, is just weeks away from giving birth and will show off her blossoming belly when she stars as heavily pregnant character Mel.

The new ITV series begins on May 4 and will document the experiences that families face during the coronavirus lockdown in 15-minute episodes throughout the week.

On Monday, Sheridan becomes Mel, an expectant single mother that is isolating alone during the lockdown.

In the emotional scenes, the downcast character speaks to her friends via video call but in fact doesn’t mind being in isolation.

Sheridan stars as heavily pregnant character Mel in the ITV series
(Image: ITV)

During the convincing and tearful performance, the character struggles to come to term with her baby’s imminent birth as well as going through the pregnancy without the married father of her child.

In a snippet ahead of Monday’s show, Sheridan is featured in different rooms of her home while exchanging virtual moments with pals.

In one scene, Mel struggled to cast a smile as a friend is heard saying: “Melanie, let’s see the bump.”

The emotional scenes throughout the episode show the expectant mum video call with friends
(Image: ITV)

Another scene later in the short episode featured the character sobbing on the phone as she heard the words: “You’re going to be a lovely mum.”

According to the Sheridan, she had had jumped at the opportunity to be involved with the miniseries because she felt it was important to reflect on what is going on.

“I am heavily pregnant and have been isolating at home,” she said.

In another heartbreaking scene, the character sobs while on the phone
(Image: ITV)

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“So I jumped at the chance to make a drama about the massive drama going on all around us right now.

The entire series has also been recorded in line with the country’s strict isolation guidelines.

During the filming of the show, produced by Oscar nominee Jeff Pope, directors would remotely instruct the actors on camera angles and scene composition.