Sheridan Smith shares relatable imposter syndrome experience

Photo credit: Dave J Hogan

Up to 82% of us struggle with imposter syndrome in the UK, according to a 2020 review by Medical News Today — and if you thought that high-flying celebrities were spared from this startling statistic, think again.

Claudia Winkleman, Sheryl Sandberg and Serena Williams have all spoken out about their struggle with imposter syndrome, and now Sheridan Smith has shared her very relatable experience, too.

Imposter syndrome can be defined as a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. 'Imposters' suffer from chronic self-doubt and 'fraudulence' that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence.

Which is why, even with an OBE and an endless list of achievements, actor Sheridan Smith still felt strong self-doubt at the peak of her career.

In a very relatable chat on the Brydon & podcast, Smith talked to host Rob Brydon about the time they filmed The Huntsman: Winter’s War together in 2016. Talking about experiencing imposter syndrome, Smith said: 'I always have but massively on that job, I felt major imposter syndrome because you guys were so brilliant and relaxed and to me it was like, I don’t know, it was like someone pulled me from my little village and put me with all these huge stars and I really just had no confidence at all on that job.

'That particular job was worse than any job for me, I’ve always had self doubt but that one in particular was like, I felt very out of my depth like I shouldn’t be there.'

The Funny Girl star also recalled the moment when she met Dustin Hoffman, which proved she had nothing to worry about, saying: 'He saw me in a play and I think he thought that I did something new every night in the play. He came backstage afterwards and was like, "Oh gosh it was so fresh".

'I remember crying and thinking, OMG Dustin Hoffmann just came into my dressing room. Then when he cast me – he rang me and said he wanted me in this movie – it was all so overwhelming! I remember when he came into my dressing room I was shaking.'

If you're currently struggling with imposter syndrome, here are our tips on overcoming self-doubt while working from home.

You can listen to the full interview with Sheridan on Brydon & here.

Subscribe to Red now to get the magazine delivered to your door.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

• Flattering summer dresses

• 15 trainers you'll want to wear every day

• This high street moisturiser is sold every 18 seconds