Tearful Viewers Call Sheridan Smith's 'Isolation Stories' A 'Rollercoaster Of Emotions'

Earlier this week, ITV launched its Isolation Stories - a collection of four 15-minute films with the first starring Sheridan Smith.

Self-filming in her own home, Sheridan plays Mel, a heavily pregnant woman isolating alone, who is facing the prospect of having to go through childbirth without a birthing partner.

And fans have been moved to tears by Sheridan's performance, with one calling it a "rollercoaster of emotions".

The short film kicks off with Mel on a Zoom call to her colleagues. Much to her amusement, her annoying boss - who decides to whip out his guitar and sing for the team on camera - offers to be her birthing partner.

The father of Mel's child has chosen to isolate with his wife and family (who Mel previously didn't know existed) and now, living alone, in a city she has just moved to, Mel is upset and feeling pretty betrayed.

And after leaving a series of angry video messages for a number of people - one being the father of her child and another, an old school friend named Kelly - who told Mel she would "end up alone" when they were in Year 8 - Mel receives a phone call from a stranger.

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"Hi is that Mel, you left me a message by mistake, I think you were after someone called Kelly?" the woman says.

She goes on to ask Mel if she's okay, explaining she was worried about her after hearing the emotional voicemail.

But after having a short chat, the woman suddenly has to go. Mel hears a man in the background shouting aggressively and before she can say anything, the call cuts off.

Tragically, she realises the woman had rang on a withheld number and is therefore unable to call back.

The short then flicks to Mel recording a new clip for her unborn baby - and viewers were *seriously* emotional.

"Despite everything, there are some really good people around, kind people," Mel says, before singing to her little one.

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And viewers found the episode particularly emotional, with many taking to Twitter to admit they were in tears over the short.

One wrote: "@Sheridansmith1 wow I just watched last nights #isolationstories and you've got me crying.. it was like a rollercoaster of emotions."

While another said: "#IsolationStories @ITV @Sheridansmith1 was absolutely incredible - was in tears the whole way through."

Others agreed Sheridan's performance at the end of the episode was particularly moving, with one fan adding: "@Sheridansmith1 brilliant in isolation stories tonight Sheridan hope you're keeping well and the bump is safe xxx love that song at the end you had me in tears."

Speaking about the episode, Sheridan, 38 - whose partner Jamie Horn helped film - said: "I am heavily pregnant and have been isolating at home so I jumped at the chance to make a drama about the massive drama going on all around us right now.

"I think it's really important to try and reflect what's happening to us whilst it is still actually happening."

Executive produced by Oscar-nominated writer and producer Jeff Pope and Tom Dunbar (A Confession), the show is also directed by Paul Whittington, Paul Andrew Williams, Louise Hooper and David Blair.

You can watch Isolation Stories on Tuesday 5th, Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th May on ITV at 9pm.

Topics: Entertainment News, Sheridan Smith, TV News, TV Entertainment, ITV

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine