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Royal Variety Performance: Sheridan Smith takes on Cilla Black leaving viewers in ‘floods of tears’

Sheridan previously played the star in the ITV drama Cilla

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Sheridan Smith left viewers in flood of tears as she reprised her role as the late Cilla Black at the Royal Variety Performance.

The 39-year-old actress stunned fans as she transformed into the You’re My World singer, who she previously played in the ITV drama Cilla.

Despite taking place without a studio audience for the first time ever, Sheridan still went on to impress viewers at home.

Sheridan Smith stunned as Cilla Black at the Royal Variety Performance (Credit: ITV)

Royal Variety Performance: What did viewers think of Sheridan Smith?

Sheridan was introduced by host Jason Manford, as she took to the stage in a long green dress and a red wig.

The West End star, who took on Cilla in the 2014 ITV series, was joined by a band for the performance.

And fans were left stunned by Sheridan’s version of the 1965 track.

Taking to Twitter, one wrote: “Sheridan Smith was amazing on the ITV drama about Cilla and it was so good to hear her sing those well-known numbers again.”

Sheridan reprised her role as the much-loved Liverpool star (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Sheridan Smith as Cilla on Royal Variety Performance: how to watch the ITV hit drama

A second said: “The best performance I’ve seen from anyone in a long time.”

“A powerful and emotional performance… I have tears rolling down my face. Great to see her back and packing a punch.”

A third wrote: “What a fantastic performance Sheridan! I’m sure Cilla was applauding from above.”

A fourth shared: “Loved the performance by Sheridan Smith tonight. She always lights up the screen and her portrayal of Cilla is simply superb. Thanks Sheridan.”

Read more: Jason Manford shows off A Different Stage album after singing on The Royal Variety Performance

Sheridan’s message about the Royal Variety Performance

This year’s Royal Variety Performance returned to Blackpool with a virtual ceremony amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahead of the show on ITV, Sheridan cuddled up to her baby son Billy as she snapped a selfie on Instagram.

The actress told her followers she had dedicated the track to little Billy, who she welcomed with fiancé Jamie Horn in May.

Alongside a clip of the two together, Sheridan wrote: “My world. Tonight I’ll be singing You’re My World as Cilla on @itv for @RoyalVariety at 8pm. This is the little man I’m singing it for.”

Sheridan Smith On Becoming Cilla Black | The Jonathan Ross Show

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor