On August 31, 2025, ITV’s gripping four-part drama I Fought the Law premiered, captivating audiences with its retelling of Ann Ming’s 15-year battle to overturn the UK’s double jeopardy law following the murder of her daughter, Julie Hogg. Starring BAFTA-winning actress Sheridan Smith as Ming, the series promised a raw, emotional journey through a mother’s relentless fight for justice. Yet, despite widespread praise for its storytelling and Smith’s powerful performance, a vocal segment of viewers has sparked a fiery backlash online, united by a single complaint: the casting of Sheridan Smith as Ann Ming was a misstep, with many arguing her prominence overshadowed the story’s real-life hero. Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit have erupted with frustration, with fans labeling the choice as “predictable” and “distracting,” claiming it detracted from the gravity of Ming’s struggle. This article delves into the controversy, explores the reasons behind the backlash, celebrates the drama’s impact, and examines the complex dynamics of casting a star like Smith in a true-crime narrative.

The Drama: A Heart-Wrenching True Story

I Fought the Law, adapted from Ann Ming’s memoir For the Love of Julie, chronicles the harrowing true story of a mother’s fight to bring her daughter’s killer, William “Billy” Dunlop, to justice. In 1989, 22-year-old Julie Hogg was murdered in her Billingham flat, her body hidden behind a bath panel for 80 days until discovered by her mother, Ann. Despite overwhelming evidence, Dunlop was acquitted in two mistrials due to hung juries, protected by the 800-year-old double jeopardy law that prevented retrial for the same crime. Ming, a retired surgical nurse, waged a relentless campaign against the British legal system, challenging the Crown Prosecution Service, the Law Commission, and even two Home Secretaries. Her efforts led to the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which reformed the double jeopardy rule, allowing Dunlop’s retrial and eventual life sentence in 2006.

The series, produced by Hera Pictures and written by Jamie Crichton, was hailed as a “tragic, moving, and deeply inspiring” portrayal of Ming’s journey. Sheridan Smith, known for roles in Cilla, Mrs Biggs, and The Moorside, delivers a tour-de-force performance as Ming, capturing her grief, determination, and resilience. Supported by a stellar cast, including Daniel York Loh as Charlie Ming, Jack James Ryan as Dunlop, and Victoria Wyant as Julie, the drama has earned critical acclaim, with The Guardian praising Smith’s ability to “elevate a workaday script into genuinely moving TV.” Yet, for all its strengths, the casting of Smith has ignited a firestorm of debate among viewers.

The Backlash: Why Fans Are Upset

The outrage over Sheridan Smith’s casting centers on a recurring complaint: her status as a go-to actress for real-life dramas has made her presence feel formulaic and distracting. Fans argue that her fame overshadows the story, pulling focus from Ann Ming’s real-life heroism to Smith’s celebrity persona. Social media posts reveal a pattern of frustration, with viewers expressing sentiments like:

“Predictable Casting”: On Twitter, user @TVFanaticUK wrote, “Sheridan Smith in yet another ITV true-crime drama? It’s getting predictable. Ann Ming deserves someone fresh to tell her story, not the same face we see in every biopic.” Others echoed this, pointing to Smith’s frequent roles in similar projects like Four Lives and The C Word, arguing that her ubiquity risks turning serious stories into “Sheridan Smith vehicles.”

“Distracting Star Power”: Reddit threads on r/UKTV criticized Smith’s casting as a distraction. One user commented, “Every time I see Sheridan, I’m thinking ‘Cilla Black’ or ‘Mrs Biggs,’ not Ann Ming. Her star power takes me out of the story.” Fans felt that a lesser-known actress might have allowed Ming’s narrative to shine without the baggage of celebrity recognition.

“Over-Emoting Concerns”: Some viewers found Smith’s performance overly theatrical, with one Instagram post stating, “Sheridan’s amazing, but her crying scenes feel like they’re trying too hard. Ann Ming’s real pain was quieter, more raw.” This critique suggests a disconnect between Smith’s dramatic style and the understated resilience of Ming, who was a consultant on the series and praised its authenticity.

“Missed Opportunity for New Talent”: A recurring sentiment was that ITV missed a chance to spotlight an up-and-coming actress. “Why not give this role to someone who could make their mark?” asked a user on X. “Sheridan doesn’t need another accolade, but Ann’s story deserves a fresh voice.”

These criticisms, while passionate, are not universal. Many fans praised Smith’s performance, with posts like “Sheridan Smith is Ann Ming. Heartbreaking and brilliant” trending alongside the backlash. However, the vocal minority’s outrage has sparked a broader conversation about casting in true-crime dramas and the balance between star power and storytelling.

Sheridan Smith’s Performance: A Double-Edged Sword

Sheridan Smith’s portrayal of Ann Ming is undeniably powerful. Critics have lauded her ability to embody a grieving mother’s anguish and tenacity, with Radio Times calling her “undoubtedly pivotal” to the drama’s impact. Smith spent hours in the makeup chair to reflect Ming’s aging over 15 years, donning wigs and subtle prosthetics to portray the toll of grief and activism. She also formed a close bond with Ming, who served as a consultant, describing the experience as “the hardest job I’ve ever done” due to the responsibility of honoring a real person’s life.

Yet, the very qualities that make Smith a star—her emotive range, recognizable face, and history of playing real-life figures—fuel the backlash. Her frequent casting in ITV dramas has led to what some call “Sheridan fatigue,” where her presence feels like a default choice rather than a deliberate one. The Guardian noted that while Smith “elevates” the script, the drama’s formulaic structure—complete with “winsome child asking poignant questions” and “bureaucratic nightmares”—relies heavily on her to carry its emotional weight. For detractors, this reliance underscores the problem: Smith’s star power overshadows the story, making it feel more like a vehicle for her talents than a tribute to Ming.

The Real Ann Ming: A Hero Overshadowed?

At the heart of the backlash is a desire to honor Ann Ming, whose real-life courage changed British legal history. Ming, now in her late 70s, was awarded an MBE for her contributions to the criminal justice system and continues to speak at police training conferences. Her memoir, For the Love of Julie, details the unimaginable pain of finding her daughter’s body and the systemic failures that followed, including police oversights that missed Julie’s body during initial searches. Ming’s 15-year campaign, which culminated in the 2003 reform and Dunlop’s conviction, also paved the way for other high-profile retrials, such as those of Stephen Lawrence’s killers.

Fans argue that casting a less prominent actress could have kept the focus on Ming’s story. “Ann Ming is the star, not Sheridan,” one Twitter user wrote. “Her fight was bigger than any celebrity.” Ming herself has praised Smith, telling The Express, “I’ve watched every role she’s ever played, and I thought, if anybody can portray me, she’d be the one.” This endorsement complicates the backlash, as Ming’s approval suggests Smith captured her essence authentically. Yet, for some viewers, the disconnect lies in the broader trend of casting A-list stars in true-crime dramas, which can feel like exploiting real tragedies for entertainment value.

The Broader Context: True-Crime Dramas and Casting Controversies

The backlash against Smith’s casting reflects a larger debate about true-crime dramas and the ethics of representation. Recent ITV hits like Mr Bates vs The Post Office and The Long Shadow have faced similar scrutiny, with audiences questioning whether star-driven narratives honor or overshadow real-life figures. The genre’s popularity, fueled by streaming platforms like ITVX, has led to a surge in biopics, but critics argue that casting familiar faces risks turning complex stories into formulaic “star vehicles.”

Smith’s prolific presence in these dramas—she’s played figures like Cilla Black, Charmian Biggs, and Lisa Lynch—makes her a lightning rod for this critique. Fans point to lesser-known actors, like Joanne Froggatt in Breathtaking or Maxine Peake in Anne, who brought fresh perspectives to real-life stories without the baggage of fame. The argument is that an unknown actress could have embodied Ming without viewers projecting past roles onto her performance, allowing the story to stand on its own.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Audience

Social media has been a battleground for the I Fought the Law debate. While the backlash is prominent, it’s countered by fervent support for Smith. Positive reactions include:

Praise for Authenticity: “Sheridan Smith just proves time and time again that she’s one of the best actors of this generation,” tweeted @DramaLad. “Her work in I Fought the Law is incredible.”

Emotional Impact: On Instagram, a fan wrote, “I cried all through I Fought the Law. Sheridan made me feel Ann’s pain. Don’t understand the hate.”

Award Buzz: Posts on Reddit speculated about BAFTA nominations, with one user stating, “Sheridan’s performance is a masterclass. The haters are just nitpicking.”

The negative reactions, however, are equally passionate, with fans arguing that the casting choice reflects ITV’s reliance on “safe” stars. “It’s always Sheridan or Suranne Jones,” one X user complained. “Give someone else a chance to shine.” The divide highlights a tension between appreciating Smith’s talent and craving a fresh approach to true-crime storytelling.

The Drama’s Impact: Beyond the Controversy

Despite the backlash, I Fought the Law has undeniably moved audiences. The series, available on ITVX and airing over two weeks on ITV1, has drawn millions of viewers, with ratings rivaling 2024’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Its sensitive handling of Julie Hogg’s murder and Ming’s campaign has been praised by critics and Ming herself, who told the BBC, “Watching Sheridan was like seeing myself. I cried all the way through.” The accompanying documentary, I Fought the Law: The Ann Ming Story, narrated by Smith, further amplifies Ming’s legacy, offering exclusive interviews with her family and former police.

The drama’s emotional weight is undeniable. Scenes depicting Ming’s discovery of Julie’s body and her confrontations with legal authorities left viewers in tears, with posts like “This is so tense. You can feel the panic” trending on X. The series also sheds light on systemic issues, such as police failings and the rigidity of the double jeopardy law, prompting discussions about justice reform. “Ann Ming is an incredible woman,” one fan wrote. “Sheridan played her beautifully, but this story is bigger than any actor.”

Addressing the Backlash: A Path Forward

The controversy over Smith’s casting raises questions about how networks can balance star power with authenticity. One solution, suggested by fans, is to prioritize lesser-known actors for true-crime roles, allowing stories to breathe without the weight of celebrity. Another is to involve real-life figures like Ming more visibly in promotion, ensuring their voices remain central. ITV’s decision to include Ming as a consultant and feature her in the documentary is a step in this direction, but some argue it’s not enough.

For Smith, the backlash is a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar career. Her commitment to the role—described as “emotionally taxing” in interviews—demonstrates her respect for Ming’s story. “I wanted to make Ann proud,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s her life, not just a TV show.” Her bond with Ming, who called her “the perfect choice,” suggests the casting was not merely a commercial decision but a collaborative one.

Conclusion

The backlash against Sheridan Smith’s casting in I Fought the Law reveals a complex tension between star power and storytelling in true-crime dramas. While fans laud Smith’s heart-wrenching performance as Ann Ming, others argue her prominence overshadows the real-life hero’s legacy, labeling the choice as predictable and distracting. The controversy, fueled by social media, reflects broader debates about representation and authenticity in television. Yet, I Fought the Law remains a triumph, bringing Ann Ming’s extraordinary fight to millions and sparking conversations about justice and resilience. Smith’s portrayal, divisive though it may be, has moved audiences to tears, proving her talent while highlighting the challenges of casting in sensitive narratives. As viewers continue to grapple with this heartbreak, Ming’s story endures as a testament to a mother’s love and an unyielding quest for justice, reminding us that some stories are bigger than any one star.