Ruth Ellis, the last British woman to be hanged, will be played by Lucy Boynton. 

ITV have released the first image of Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) in A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story.

The series is based on Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story. Previously known simply as Ruth, it becomes a 4-part drama from screenwriter Kelly Jones (The Long Call, Des).

Here’s what we know:

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story tells the hidden story of Ruth Ellis and exposes the timeless British obsessions of class, sex and death.

Set in 1955 in the glamorous and intoxicating world of London club-land, Ruth found huge acclaim, aged 28, as the capital’s youngest club manager.

But her success soon unravelled as she became entwined in an abusive relationship with racing driver David Blakely. On trial for his murder, Ruth was condemned to hang by a system which judged her for far more than her crime.

Lucy Boynton as Ruth Ellis in A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (c) ITV/Des Willie

Lucy Boynton stars alongside Toby Jones, Laurie Davidson and Mark Stanley. The wider cast also includes Joe Armstrong, Arthur Darvill, Nigel Havers, Toby Stephens and Juliet Stevenson.

The drama comes from Silverprint Pictures (Shetland, Vera) part of itv studios. Lee Haven Jones (Doctor Who) directs and Angie Daniell (Vigil) produces.

There’s no suggestion of a premiere date yet – we’ll keep you posted.