Sheridan Smith

Children's books are a familiar second-career path for people in public life, from Prince Charles to Ricky Gervais. Happily, even for a busy person, David Walliams's efforts seem a cut above the celebrity norm. The tale of a homeless man befriended by a middle-class schoolgirl, this adaptation features a suitably strong cast. Benidorm regulars Johnny Vegas and Sheridan Smith play the parents of 12-year-old Chloe, who invites a tramp (Hugh Bonneville) to hang out in her family's garden shed. Gentle family comedy, featuring Walliams himself as the prime minister.

Sheridan Smith & John Bishop interview

Comic John Bishop teams up with actress Sheridan Smith for the festive comedy-drama Panto!

Hugh Bonneville on playing messy tramp Mr Stink

The Downton Abbey actor joins Sheridan Smith, Johnny Vegas and Pudsey the dog in BBC's festive adaptation of David Walliams' children's story.

The seasonal return of the Little Crackers series, which features comedy shorts based on the autobiographical recollections of various actors and comedians. Previous participants have included Stephen Fry, Victoria Wood, Jack Whitehall and Sheridan Smith. This latest series begins with Joanna Lumley's Baby, Be Blonde, in which the 19-year-old Jo (Ottilie Mackintosh) is a struggling model who gets a break when she buys a blonde wig. "It didn't, but it made me feel that I had changed the course of my life," says Lumley in the behind-the-scenes film which follows the short. Also starring this week in later episodes are Rebecca Front and Caroline Quentin.

Pictures: Sheridan Smith, Hugh Bonneville film Mr Stink

Sheridan Smith has been snapped filming scenes for the BBC One adaptation of David Walliams children's novel Mr Stink.

Sheridan Smith & Johnny Vegas join Mr Stink cast

Sheridan Smith and Johnny Vegas are to join Hugh Bonneville in Mr Stink, BBC One's forthcoming 60-minute adaptation of David Walliams' popular children's novel.

Sheridan Smith to play Ronnie Biggs's wife

Sheridan Smith will play the wife of Ronnie Biggs opposite Daniel Mays in an ITV drama about the Great Train Robber.

Sheridan Smith, Jane Horrocks, John Bishop and Johnny Vegas are among the stars appearing in a week-long series of short autobiographical comedies. The season opens with Barbara Windsor, who recalls an embarrassing teenage encounter with a wardrobe mistress and a subsequent trip to buy her first bra. Also tonight, Jack Whitehall's story tells of a flamboyant 10 year-old who liked to dress up.

Sheridan Smith to play Bridget Jones on stage

The show and cast have not been officially confirmed, but the Olivier Award-winning actress Sheridan Smith is almost certain to win the role of Bridget Jones, having impressed Helen Fielding in extensive workshops for the production.