Sheridan Smith is set to take on the role of narrator on Dave’s popular programme Crackanory.

The actress, 35, has had a rollercoaster of a year after taking a leave of absence from her starring role in West End show Funny Girl due to stress and exhaustion in mid-May.

This came after Sheridan accused the press of “bullying” after accusations were made about her reaction to missing out on a TV Bafta award.

She has now finished her run in the popular stage show and will return to TV screens on Crackanory, a humorous and often naughty adult story-telling programme that has previously seen the likes of Rik Mayall, Christopher Lloyd, David Mitchell and Sue Perkins in the role of the narrator.

A source told the Daily Mirror: “(Sheridan) was brilliant on set, really lovely to work with and read brilliantly. She’s a brilliant actress and the programme was delighted to have her.”

The new series of Crackanory will hit screens in early 2017, and Sheridan will appear alongside celebrity readers Mel Giedroyc, Anna Friel and Bob Mortimer.

The news of the Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps star’s new TV role comes shortly after it was revealed she will reprise her part as Fanny Brice when Funny Girl tours the UK.

The actress, who was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to drama, will take on the role in several UK cities including Bristol, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Liverpool and also Dublin in Ireland.

Semi-biographical musical Funny Girl documents the life of US actress and comedienne Brice, who died in 1951.

Critics heaped praise on Sheridan for her portrayal of Fanny, whose singing and comedic ability led to her rising from a Brooklyn musical hall singer to a Broadway star.

The show’s UK tour will begin in Manchester in February and end in Llandudno in July.

In recent years, Sheridan has wowed audiences with her roles in dramas The C Word and Mrs Biggs, and also for her portrayal of Cilla Black in miniseries Cilla.