Oliver Stokes, the rising star who shared the screen with national treasure Sheridan Smith in ITV's gritty new drama 'Fought The Law', has bravely pulled back the curtain on the intense psychological toll of filming, revealing he was plagued by panic attacks and sheer 'terror' on set.
In an exclusive and candid interview, the actor confessed that the role, which depicts the harrowing true story of a couple wrongly accused of serious crimes, became the 'hardest job' he has ever undertaken. The demanding nature of the material, coupled with the pressure of performing alongside a powerhouse like Smith, pushed him to his absolute limit.
'I Was In A Constant State Of Panic'
Stokes didn't hold back when describing his experience. 'I was terrified the whole time. I had panic attacks. I was so out of my depth,' he revealed, highlighting the immense weight he felt stepping into such a intense project.
He described a relentless cycle of self-doubt and anxiety, admitting he would often finish a day's filming, return to his hotel room, and break down, convinced his performance wasn't good enough and that he was on the verge of being fired.
Sheridan Smith: A Formidable But Supportive Force
Despite his own struggles, Stokes was effusive in his praise for his leading lady, Sheridan Smith. He acknowledged her formidable reputation for intensity and perfectionism, but was quick to clarify that she was incredibly supportive.
'She's a force of nature. She wants everything to be perfect and she works so hard,' he said, dispelling any notion of a difficult atmosphere. 'She was lovely to me. She could see I was struggling and was very kind.'
His revelations come hot on the heels of Smith's own critically acclaimed performance in the BBC's 'The Teacher', further cementing her status as one of the UK's most compelling and fearless actors.
ITV's 'Fought The Law' is poised to be one of the most talked-about dramas of the year, and Stokes's heartfelt account offers a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the human cost of bringing such powerful stories to life.
