Sheridan Smith was left in tears during This Morning, after Ann Ming made an emotional admission. The Royle Family star is starring in ITV’s I Fought The Law, based on harrowing true events.

The drama follows Ann Ming (played by Sheridan Smith), a mother who strives to change the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law to see her daughter Julie’s murderer finally brought to justice after a 15-year battle.

The two joined Rylan Clark and Sian Welby for an emotional chat before the series airs this weekend, but Sheridan was left in tears when Ann made an emotional admission.

Without Sheridan’s knowledge, Ann revealed that she had snuck onto set twice, to watch Sheridan, with the actress completely oblivious. Ann said she was left in awe with Sheridan’s portrayal, saying it was like watching herself on screen.

“I came on set twice, and she didn’t know I was there. And I watched her, playing me, in one of the difficult scenes – when we told Kevin truth. It was like watching me,” Anne announced.

The admission left Sheridan in tears, as Rylan ran over to grab a tissue. “All I wanted was Ann to be proud,” the actress said.

Sheridan Smith and Ann Ming joined This Morning for an emotional interview
“I don’t think they could have got another actress to do it as well. She takes on a role and becomes that person,” Ann gushed.

The four part series will see Ann Ming act as consultant throughout the production process. It sees the real-life story of a mother’s love, courage and determination to change the Double Jeopardy Law, and see her daughter’s murderer brought to justice.

I Fought The Law recounts how mum-of-three, Ann Ming, battled for 15 years so that her daughter’s murderer could finally face justice, having been controversially acquitted following two mistrials.

However, Ann revealed she was a bit apprehensive when ITV first approached her about the drama. She said: “I had a team of lawyers backing me all the way. They didn’t think it was a one man band.

“And then they said they were thinking about approaching Sheridan Smith, and I’ve watched everything she’s ever been in. I thought they couldn’t get anyone better to play me.”