Sheridan Smith to star in ITV1 drama Mrs Biggs

Sheridan Smith has been cast as Ronnie Biggs' wife, opposite Daniel Mays, in the new ITV1 drama Mrs Biggs.

The versatile actress will play Charmian Biggs in the five-part story of the moment she met the infamous Great Train Robber and their turbulent life together.

Sheridan said: "When I received the call to say that I'd got this job I burst into tears. Charmian is an incredible woman, and I'm so lucky that she'll be on hand to support me and give me advice during the shoot. I hope that I can do her story justice."

Mrs Biggs will recount the story of Charmian and Ronnie's efforts to stay together in the face of fierce opposition from her family and the foiled Great Train Robbery of August 1963.

Although she knew nothing about the robbery, Charmian supported her husband when he escaped from Wandsworth prison and helped him evade capture for four years while living with their children in Australia.

Daniel will play Ronnie, while Gavin and Stacey star Adrian Scarborough will plays Chamian's father.

Filming has begun in Manchester and will later move to Australia.