Sheridan’s son steals the show in pyjama cameo

Play time! Sheridan Smith and little Billy on stage

SHE’S won plaudits for playing a doting mother in her one-woman show.

But Sheridan Smith’s latest performance was even more authentic than usual – beaming with joy as her reallife son joined her on stage.

The actress, 41, laughed and hugged 22-month-old Billy after she’d received

a standing ovation at London’s Duke Of York Theatre. The toddler, wearing Toy Story pyjamas and Peppa Pig shoes, waved to the crowds before cuddling his mother and giving her a kiss.

A source said of Billy’s encore appearance: ‘The audience was enthralled and it was the perfect ending.’

Ms Smith plays the eponymous role in a new West End production of the Willy Russell play Shirley Valentine.

The show – a hit with critics which tells the story of a working-class housewife from Liverpool – runs until June.