Four Lives Viewers Call Sheridan Smith's Performance 'Absolutely Incredible'

The actor plays Sarah Sak, the mother of Anthony Walgate who was one of the four gay men murdered by Stephen Port who is now known as the Grindr killer. 

Port raped his four victims, which also includes Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth, and Jack Taylor. He gave them a fatal dose of the date rape drug GHB in his flat in Barking, east London.

The three-part series explores the lives of the victims and their families as they fight to uncover the truth about what happened to their lost loved ones in the midst of a now widely condemned police investigation. 

In the first episode, two young men are found dead in London and the police blame their deaths on overdoses but their families are convinced there’s more to the story. 

The series has so far received heaps of praise from viewers and critics alike, with some watchers calling it a “tough watch”.

People were left particularly impressed with Smith’s performance as Sarah, a mum seeking answers and justice for her son.

"Once again @Sheridansmith1 is absolutely incredible,” one viewer on Twitter said. 

“Such a powerful, emotional performance. A difficult, but important watch #FourLives.”

Another viewer tweeted: “Sheridan Smith is a brilliant actress #FourLives.”

While a third shared: “Sheridan Smith is an amazing actress there isn’t a role she can’t play #FourLives.”

And a fourth person praised Sheridan, writing: “@Sheridansmith1 is so fabulous at portraying real women in extraordinary circumstances.” 

One viewer said: "#Fourlives is a tough watch, but good to highlight the inept police investigating the cases. @Sheridansmith1 is fantastic as usual."

Stephen Merchant, who is mostly known for his comedies, was praised for his portrayal of killer and serial rapist Stephen Port.

One viewer wrote: “How completely devastating was #FourLives? Sheridan Smith, Stephen Merchant and the entire cast wonderful, and the tone so subtly terrifying.”

Walgate, who is played by Tim Preston, was a 23-year-old fashion student originally from Hull. 

Four Lives premiered on Monday and is airing over three consecutive nights on BBC One at 9pm. All three episode are available to watch on BBC iPlayer right now.