Sheridan Smith looks fresh-faced as she prepares for her return to London's West End

Sheridan Smith has appeared fresh-faced as she prepares for her return to London's West End.

And her come back to the stage will see her cast in revived comedy as Liverpudlian mum Shirley Valentine for the one-woman show.

The 41-year-old actress spotted stepping out of BBC Radio 2 studios on Friday.

She was suitably stylish wearing a chic wide-leg trouser suit and semi-sheer top and clutching a classic camel tote.

The Cila star opted for minimal make up letting her natural beauty shine through as she beamed back at the cameras with her hair styled in a sweeping shoulder length crop.

Sheridan appeared animated as she was pointing with paps outside BBC Radio Two (GC Images)

Sheridan is taking on a one-woman show to star as Shirley Valentine (GC Images)

Smith admitted she feels 'honoured' to have landed the role for the comeback of comedy Shirley Valentine.

The play tells the powerful story of a woman who dreams of something more than marriage and motherhood.

Smith said: “As a mum now myself I’m delighted to be playing theatre’s best-loved mum.

“I am honoured to be entrusted by Willy Russell to bring his Shirley to life once again in the West End. Now, to practise cooking chips and egg!”

It's not the first time Smith has been cast as a Liverpudlian as she attracted acclaim for her TV drama Cila (GC Images)

Sheridan signed her autograph for a fan (GC Images)

It will be directed by Matthew Dunster who last directed the 2021 West End thriller, 2:22 A Ghost Story, which received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for best new play.

Smith, who had her first child in 2020, is best known for stage roles such as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre and Doris in Flare Path at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

The Emmy-nominated actress will also appear in CBBC’s adaptation of David Walliams ’ Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!, which will air on Friday December 16.

Sheridan will feature in David Walliam's children's book adaptation (ITV)

David Pugh, the producer of the play and two-time Tony award-winner, said: “Back in 1986 I was lucky enough to see the first ever production of Shirley Valentine in Liverpool.

“I have begged Willy to one day let me produce a revival of Shirley Valentine when the casting was right.

“That day is now and both Willy and I believe that Sheridan Smith is the perfect Shirley Valentine.”

Russell’s play first premiered at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool with Noreen Kershaw playing the one-woman role.

Shirley Valentine will run at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre from Friday February 17 2023 for 12 weeks. Tickets are on sale now.