When ITV’s I Fought The Law premiered on August 31, 2025, it promised to deliver a gripping, real-life drama about Ann Ming’s 15-year battle to overturn the UK’s double jeopardy law following the murder of her daughter, Julie Hogg. Starring Sheridan Smith as Ming, the four-part series was anticipated to be a tour de force, given Smith’s reputation for portraying complex, real-life figures. However, the show has sparked a surprising backlash, with viewers united in a single, resounding complaint: Sheridan Smith’s casting as Ann Ming. Social media platforms, particularly X, have erupted with fans expressing disappointment, arguing that Smith’s performance, while powerful, overshadows the story’s authenticity and fails to capture the essence of Ming’s Northern grit. This controversy has ignited a heated debate about casting choices, the weight of real-life dramas, and the expectations placed on one of Britain’s most beloved actresses. Here’s the story of I Fought The Law, the outrage it provoked, and why Smith’s portrayal has divided audiences.

The True Story Behind I Fought The Law

I Fought The Law, written by Jamie Crichton and produced by Hera Pictures, is based on Ann Ming’s memoir, For the Love of Julie. The series chronicles Ming’s relentless campaign to change the UK’s 800-year-old double jeopardy law, which prevented individuals from being retried for the same crime after acquittal. In 1989, Ming’s 22-year-old daughter, Julie Hogg, was murdered in Billingham, Cleveland, by William “Billy” Dunlop. Despite being tried twice, Dunlop walked free after two hung juries. When he later confessed to the crime, the double jeopardy law protected him from further prosecution, prompting Ming to fight for justice.

Ming’s campaign was a monumental achievement. Over 15 years, she challenged the Criminal Justice System, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the government, ultimately leading to the law’s reform in 2005. In 2006, Dunlop became the first person convicted under the new legislation, receiving a life sentence. Ming, who served as a consultant on the series, was awarded an MBE in 2007 for her contributions to the justice system. Her story, described as “heartbreaking but inspiring” by ITV, resonated deeply, making I Fought The Law one of the network’s most anticipated dramas of 2025.

Sheridan Smith’s Casting: A Natural Choice?

Sheridan Smith, 44, was cast as Ann Ming, a decision that initially seemed perfect. Known for her ability to portray ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances, Smith has a storied career with roles in Mrs Biggs, Cilla, The Moorside, and Four Lives. Her BAFTA win for Mrs Biggs and National Television Award for Cilla cemented her as ITV’s go-to actress for real-life dramas. “Sheridan’s track record is impeccable,” wrote HELLO!’s Nicky Morris before the premiere. “If her past performances are any indication, this series is guaranteed to be a hit.”

Smith’s preparation for the role was intense. She spent hours with Ming, studying her memoir and watching documentaries to capture her mannerisms and Teesside accent. “I felt such responsibility to do her story justice,” Smith told The Hollywood Reporter in August 2025. “It’s not just a TV show—it’s her life, her family.” Ming herself endorsed the casting, saying, “I’ve watched every role Sheridan’s played, and I knew she’d be the one to portray me.”

The series also boasted a strong supporting cast, including Daniel York Loh as Charlie Ming, Ann’s husband, and Jack James Ryan as Dunlop. Directed by James Strong, I Fought The Law was filmed in Hartlepool and Newcastle upon Tyne, lending authenticity to its Northern setting. With all episodes available on ITVX from August 31, 2025, the stage was set for a critical and popular triumph. But as the credits rolled on the premiere, a wave of viewer discontent emerged.

The Viewer Backlash: “It’s Always Sheridan”

The primary complaint dominating social media is that Sheridan Smith’s casting feels repetitive and distracting. Fans argue that her ubiquity in ITV’s real-life dramas—Mrs Biggs, Cilla, The Moorside, Four Lives—makes her presence more about “Sheridan Smith” than the character she portrays. On X, posts like “Another Sheridan Smith drama? Can’t ITV find anyone else?” and “She’s great, but I’m tired of seeing her in every true-crime show” gained traction. One user summed it up: “Sheridan’s Ann Ming feels like Sheridan playing Sheridan. I couldn’t see Ann, just the same old performance.”

Critics of her casting point to a lack of authenticity. Ann Ming, a retired surgical nurse from Teesside, was a plain-spoken, working-class woman whose tenacity drove her campaign. Viewers argue that Smith, despite her talent, brings a polished, theatrical quality that clashes with Ming’s raw, unassuming nature. “Ann Ming is a Northern hero, not a West End star,” one X user wrote. “Sheridan’s too glamorous, too ‘actressy’ for this.” Another commented, “Her accent was fine, but it felt like she was acting, not living Ann’s pain.” The sentiment suggests that Smith’s star power overshadows the story, pulling focus from Ming’s real-life struggle.

Some fans went further, criticizing ITV’s reliance on Smith for every high-profile drama. “It’s lazy casting,” a Reddit user on r/BritishTV posted. “There are so many talented actresses who could’ve brought something fresh to Ann Ming.” Others suggested regional actresses, like Maxine Peake or Vicky McClure, might have better captured Ming’s Teesside roots. “Sheridan’s great, but she’s in everything,” another user wrote. “It’s like ITV has a Sheridan Smith quota.”

Defending Sheridan Smith

Not all reactions were negative. Many praised Smith’s emotional depth and commitment. The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan gave the series a four-star review, writing, “Ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances are what Sheridan does, and few do it better. She elevates a workaday script and makes it genuinely moving.” Fans on X echoed this, with posts like “Sheridan Smith is phenomenal in #IFoughtTheLaw. I was in tears” and “She carries the whole show. Nobody else could’ve done Ann Ming justice.”

Supporters argue that Smith’s familiarity is a strength, not a weakness. “She’s the queen of these roles because she’s so good at them,” one fan tweeted. “Why fix what isn’t broken?” Others defended her accent and preparation, noting that Ming herself approved. “Ann Ming literally said Sheridan was perfect,” one X user wrote. “Who are we to argue with the woman who lived it?” Ming’s involvement as a consultant and her emotional connection with Smith—evident in their tearful meetings on set—lent credibility to the casting.

Smith’s defenders also point to the emotional weight she brought to the role. Scenes depicting Ming’s discovery of Julie’s body under a bath panel, 80 days after her disappearance, were particularly harrowing. “Sheridan got it exactly right,” Ming told Metro. “When I watched it, I relived it. I was hysterical, screaming, ‘She’s under the bath!’” Fans praised Smith’s ability to convey grief, with one writing, “Her performance broke my heart. You could feel Ann’s pain through the screen.”

The Broader Context: Casting and Authenticity

The backlash against Smith’s casting raises broader questions about authenticity in real-life dramas. ITV has a history of relying on big names for such projects, with actors like David Tennant (Des, Litvinenko) and Olivia Colman (Landscapers) often tapped for high-profile roles. While these choices ensure viewership, they can alienate audiences seeking a more grounded portrayal. “It’s a balance,” said casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry in a 2025 Radio Times interview. “You need a star to draw viewers, but they have to disappear into the role. Sheridan’s so recognizable that it’s hard for some to see past her.”

The controversy also touches on regional representation. Ming’s story is deeply rooted in Teesside, a working-class region with a distinct identity. Some viewers felt that casting a Northern actress would have better honored this context. “Sheridan’s from Lincolnshire, not the North East,” one X user noted. “It’s not just about the accent—it’s about the lived experience.” This sentiment echoes debates around other UK dramas, like Happy Valley, where regional authenticity is prized.

The Role’s Emotional Toll

Smith herself has acknowledged the challenges of playing Ming. In a 2025 interview with The Guardian, she described I Fought The Law as “the hardest job I’ve ever done,” citing the emotional weight of recreating Ming’s trauma. “I was a shaking mess by the end,” she said. “I couldn’t even see myself in the mirror. It just wasn’t me.” Her transformation, including wigs to show Ming’s aging over 15 years, was praised by critics, with The Times calling it “an unforgettable performance.”

The role’s intensity was compounded by Smith’s personal connection. As a mother to a young son, born in 2020, she felt a deep empathy for Ming’s loss. “I can only imagine if it was my child,” she told OK! Magazine. “It was emotionally taxing.” Ming’s presence on set added pressure, but also inspiration. “I couldn’t stop hugging her,” Smith said. “Her strength is unreal.”

ITV’s Response and Industry Implications

ITV has stood by the casting, with Senior Drama Commissioner Helen Ziegler stating, “Sheridan brings an unparalleled depth to Ann Ming’s story. Her performance honors an extraordinary woman.” However, the backlash has prompted discussions about diversifying casting. “We’re listening to feedback,” Ziegler added. “We want to tell authentic stories in a way that resonates.” Some speculate that ITV may lean toward lesser-known actors for future dramas to avoid similar criticism.

The controversy has also highlighted the pressures on actors in real-life roles. Smith’s ubiquity, while a testament to her talent, risks typecasting her as the “grieving mother” archetype. “She’s so good at these roles, but it’s a double-edged sword,” wrote Digital Spy’s Janet A. Leigh. “Her star power can overshadow the story.”

Fan Reactions and the Path Forward

Despite the casting complaints, I Fought The Law has been a streaming success, with all episodes available on ITVX drawing significant viewership. Fans who binged the series praised its emotional impact, with one writing, “Just watched all of #IFoughtTheLaw. Sheridan Smith outdid herself. Wow.” The series’ focus on Ming’s triumph has also inspired calls for greater recognition of her legacy, with some advocating for a statue in Billingham.

For Smith, the backlash is a reminder of the scrutiny that comes with fame. She’s expressed a desire to pivot to lighter roles, telling The Guardian she’s “ready to do comedy” and eyeing a Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps reunion. Her next project, The Cage, a BBC robbery drama, suggests a shift from true-crime roles.

A Story That Transcends Casting

The outrage over Sheridan Smith’s casting in I Fought The Law reflects the high stakes of real-life dramas, where authenticity and emotional resonance are paramount. While some viewers feel Smith’s star power detracts from Ann Ming’s story, others argue her performance elevates it, bringing a universal quality to a deeply personal tale. “Sheridan’s not perfect, but she’s damn good,” one fan tweeted. “Let’s focus on Ann Ming’s incredible fight, not the casting debates.”

As I Fought The Law continues to stream on ITVX, it serves as both a tribute to Ming’s legacy and a flashpoint for discussions about representation, casting, and the power of storytelling. Whether viewers see Smith or Ming in the role, one thing is clear: the story of a mother’s fight for justice has struck a chord, proving that even amidst controversy, the heart of I Fought The Law beats strong.