Sheridan Smith insists she's 'fiercely loyal' amid Alex Lawler 'split'

EXCLUSIVE: Sheridan Smith insists she’s ‘fiercely loyal and brave’ following her shock ‘split’ from boyfriend Alex Lawler after a whirlwind four month romance

Sheridan Smith has likened herself to a ‘fiercely loyal and brave lioness’ amid a reported split from her boyfriend of four months, Alex Lawler.

The actress, 40, who recently deleted all traces of the Mancunian actor from her social media profiles, made the jibe while promoting her upcoming ITV drama, No Return. 

When asked about her character Kathy, who desperately defends her son Noah (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) when a mystery beach party incident gets him into legal trouble, the Cilla star replied: ‘She’s a lioness. She’s a brave character.

Shock dig: Sheridan Smith has likened herself to a ‘fiercely loyal and brave lioness’ amid a reported split from her boyfriend of four months, Alex Lawler

‘She’s fiercely loyal, fiercely protective and just someone I could relate to.

‘I’ve never read anything like it before. It instantly gave me that jelly belly feeling. It’s four hours of telly and intense high-drama. It’s so high-angst.

‘When I first read the script, I was just so gripped. I read it and didn’t stop for any breaks. It was so powerful, the writing, and there was such a huge pressure to bring it to life on set.’ 

The Gavin & Stacey star jetted off to sunny Spain to shoot the miniseries, which also stars Michael Jibson and Lily Sutcliffe, and was written by Brassic’s Daniel Brocklehurst.

It follows reports that Sheridan’s friends said that it was her who broke off the relationship with Alex, but that it had been an amicable breakup.

Happier times: The actress, 40, who recently deleted all traces of the Mancunian actor from her social media profiles, made the jibe while promoting her upcoming ITV drama, No Return

The couple had first dated more than two decades ago, before reuniting last September to rekindle their romance. Sheridan since deleted any trace of the Mancunian actor from her social media.

A source told The Sun: ‘Sheridan and Alex’s relationship ended a few weeks ago. There was no major drama and they both agreed their romance had run its course.

‘Sheridan was delighted when she rekindled her old flame with Alex and it was a wonderful reunion for them both.

‘But after a while it was clear that they would be better off as friends. She is single now and focusing on herself and her son.’

Wow: When asked how she could relate to her character Kathy, the Gavin And Stacey star replied: ‘She’s a lioness. She’s a brave character. She’s the most fiercely loyal, fiercely protective’ (pictured with Alex in November 2021)

MailOnline contacted Sheridan’s representatives for comment at the time.

Sheridan first hinted at a romance with Alex in September, sharing a photo of herself alongside the actor, she wrote: ‘So pleased this fitty I dated back in the day (20 years ago) is back in my life! Life works in mysterious ways…miss u Mr L.’

Sheridan also shared a brooding older head shot of Alex, with her posts prompting a wave of positive comments from fans.  

The celebrated British star was newly-single, having ended her engagement to Jamie Horn – who she met via dating app Tinder – in July following a three year relationship. 

 Just like old times: Sheridan first hinted at a romance with Alex in September, by sharing a photo of herself alongside the actor

Mysterious ways: She wrote: ‘So pleased this fitty I dated back in the day (20 years ago) is back in my life! Life works in mysterious ways…miss u Mr L’

Sheridan confirmed her split from long-term partner Jamie little more than a year after they welcomed their son Billy together, the couple’s only child. 

Both parties shared a statement addressing their break up to The Sun which read: ‘It is with great sadness that we have decided to have some time apart.’

‘We both remain completely committed to raising our beautiful boy Billy together. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.’

A source told OK! at the time: ‘Sheridan is struggling to get through the split. She put him out there for everyone to see and she really thought he was The One.’

Jamie proposed to Sheridan in May 2018 and the couple were living together in a rented property in North London.

He later appeared onscreen alongside her in a one-off documentary, titled Sheridan Smith: Becoming Mum, filmed for ITV. It was released in 2020 and followed her pregnancy as a first time parent.

No Return will air on ITV this Spring. 

All over: Sheridan confirmed her split from long-term partner Jamie Horn in June little more than a year after they welcomed their son Billy together, the couple’s only child (pictured in 2019)

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