Sheridan Smith has said she “regretted” her tattoos while she was filming for TV series The Castaways and added that she will “never have another one” done.
The Bafta-award winning actress, 42, stars in the new Paramount+ thriller alongside Celine Buckens, and said she had to use waterproof makeup to cover up the artwork on her body.
Speaking to Radio Times for its Christmas issue, Smith said the transition into her character Lori for the series was “such fun”.
“I was covered in freckles and it’s quite nice having no face make-up, just yourself,” she said.
But she added: “I’m covered in tattoos.
“Normally I can get away with cardigans or long-sleeve shirts, but wrecked on a tropical island…”
“I had a call three hours before anyone else,” she added.
“I couldn’t use my usual stuff to cover them up, it had to be waterproof. So three people were dabbing away every day to cover it all.
“I never regretted my tats so much – I’ll never have another one.
“Actors – just don’t do it. It’s the most ridiculous thing.”
She said: “I’m terrified of heights. And spiders. At one point (during filming) I lay on the ground – spiders, little scorpions, all sorts.
“Why would you take a job that’s got swimming and heights and a cliff-edge and insects? Facing all my fears. And (it was) hot.”
In the UK original drama series, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Lucy Clarke, Sheridan stars with Buckens, who plays her sister Erin.
They are due to fly to Fiji, but Erin never boards the flight and she is left with questions after the plane that Lori is on fails to arrive at its destination.
Smith is known for her roles on the big and small screen, including Gavin And Stacey, The C Word and The Railway Children, as well as multiple stage productions.