'Masterpiece' drama starring BBC legend is taking Netflix charts by storm

A decade-old drama starring Sheridan Smith and Line of Duty's Daniel Mays is suddenly storming Netflix's Top 10 charts, with viewers calling it "utterly compelling" and a "masterpiece." The five-part ITV series Mrs Biggs, first broadcast in 2012, has shot back into the spotlight thanks to its arrival on the streaming platform. Written by Jeff Pope, the period drama tells the remarkable true story of Charmian Biggs, the wife of notorious Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs.

Sheridan takes the lead role of Charmian, while Daniel stars as Ronnie, in a drama that has gripped audiences all over again more than a decade on. The actress went on to win a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress for her performance, and critics at the time hailed it as one of her best career roles ever. Viewers on Netflix are now echoing that praise. One person wrote on X: "@Sheridansmith1 just finished watching back-to-back Mrs Biggs on catch up... utterly compelling... well done on your part - you made me cry!!"

Another added: "@danielmays5 & @Sheridansmith1 amazing work in Mrs Biggs, entertaining, moving & compelling. Thank you both & everybody else involved."

A third viewer summed up the mood simply: "Mrs Biggs, what can I say!!! Fantastic and compelling viewing."

The drama tracks Charmian's turbulent relationship with Ronnie, beginning with their first meeting on a London commuter train, their elopement in Devon, and the fallout of the 1963 Great Train Robbery that shook Britain.

The ITV logline summed it up: "A passionate love affair begins when Charmian Powell meets Ronnie Biggs on a London commuter train, but her father's disapproval forces the couple to elope to Devon."

The supporting cast is packed with British TV favourites. Adrian Scarborough, known for his roles in Gavin & Stacey and The Chelsea Detective, appears as Bernard Powell, Caroline Goodall (The White Princess) plays Muriel Powell, Claire Rushbrook (Sherwood) portrays Ruby Wright, and Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) stars as Alan Wright.

For Daniel, who has gone on to acclaim in Line of Duty and Des, the series was hailed as another chance for the star to show his range. For Sheridan, it cemented her reputation as one of Britain's most bankable TV stars.

Now, more than 10 years after its debut, Mrs Biggs has proved that true-story dramas can stand the test of time - and is introducing a whole new generation of viewers to the tale of love, crime and betrayal that shook the nation.

All five episodes of Mrs Biggs are available now on Netflix and ITVX.