The Moorside: Sheridan Smith praised by Julie Bushby for honest portrayal

The Shannon Matthews drama had been widely praised, but some viewers questioned the authenticity of the story.

During the show, viewers watched the strange moment that Shannon's mother, Karen, began dancing around to her ringtone in front of policemen, leaving many of them wondering how much of the programme had been made up.

However, Julie, who stood by the family during the search for Shannon, insisted that the producers ensured the show was as close to reality as possible.

In an interview with Closer Magazine, Julie claimed: "The BBC is very close to the truth.

BBC

Sheridan Smith plays Julie Bushby in the BBC drama

ITV

Julie Bushby has praised Sheridan for her portrayal

Moorside: The real story
Tue, February 7, 2017

Moorside: The new BBC drama follows Sheridan Smith, as Julie Bushby, in the search for missing school girl Shannon Matthews. Here's the real story behind the programme.

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The Moorside

I think it's important for Shannon to see the truth.

Julie Bushby

"Sheridan and I have become great friends; she was great. And I think it's important for Shannon to see the truth," explained Karen and Shannon's neighbour.

The two-parter follows the hunt for missing Shannon Matthews, who was drugged and hidden by her mother Karen in an alleged bid to claim her reward money.

Sheridan plays Julie, the chair of the Moorside residents and tenants association that helped to search for Shannon, in the drama.

The Moorside also looks at the impact of the kidnapping on the community as a whole and how they reacted to being lied to.

The show's writer, Neil McKay, noted: "This drama takes us into the heart of a story and a community that was defined more by prejudice than genuine understanding."

BBC

Fans took to Twitter to praise Sheridan

BBC

The Moorside concludes on February 14 at 9pm on BBC One

Julie wasn't the only person to praise Sheridan's powerful performance, with fans immediately taking to Twitter to voice their opinions.

One tweeted: "@Sheridansmith1 is amazing as always! Such a talented women #TheMoorside."

Another commented: "@Sheridansmith1 can literally pull off any part! Absolutely unbelievable actress #TheMoorside."

The Moorside concludes on February 14 at 9pm on BBC One.

Original Article