Sheridan Smith writes first memoir for Ebury Spotlight

Sheridan Smith has written her first memoir, Honestly, to be published by Ebury Spotlight this autumn.

Senior editorial director Lorna Russell acquired world all language rights from Peter Taylor at Cuffe and Taylor, for publication on 14th October 2021.

The publisher explained: “Bafta and Olivier Award-winning TV and West End star, top-ten recording and sell-out live performer, Sheridan Smith is sprinkled with stardust, but it’s courage, grit and graft that underpins her life story. While audiences cheered, critics raved, ratings soared and theatres sold out, Sheridan opens up about the period in her life when all the success and attention brought feelings of imposter syndrome, struggles with her mental health and panic attacks. But she faced her demons down, sought help and fought hard for recovery.

“Now happy and settled with her partner and their son Billy, Sheridan is ready to share her journey, from growing up in Lincolnshire and those early talent competitions, her rise to fame on stage and screen, and her life off it. Packed with showbiz adventure, funny and warm, but dark times and heartbreak too. This is the real Sheridan Smith – the incredible woman behind that prodigious talent. “

Smith said: “I never thought myself old enough to write an autobiography, but when I sat down to think about it I realised, in my 40th year, there was a story to tell. Speaking with friends and family they reminded me of all the stories over the years… then all of a sudden I realised I had a book. Having had a son last year I wanted to document my story for him, so this is my story, in my words.”

Russell added: “We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be publishing Sheridan’s autobiography. She brings an innate warmth and charisma to everything she does, and tells her story with that disarming humour, charm and fearless honesty that makes the whole world want to be friends with her.”

Ebury Spotlight was launched last month and is the new home of its entertainment titles. {ublishing director Sara Cywinski said: “The sheer breadth and depth of Sheridan’s career is extraordinary, so to have her take on this new role, as an author with Ebury Spotlight, and get to know the woman behind the screen, is a huge honour for us. We’re simply thrilled to have this opportunity.’”