The former Game of Thrones star will lead the forthcoming ITVX drama Joan.
Last November, we learned of Sophie Turner’s casting in the lead role of Joan. Inspired by the life of Joan Hannington, the ITVX drama will explore the life of the notorious jewel thief.
Now, as filming begins on the series, ITV have released a first-look image of Turner in the role.
With bleach-blond hair, Turner embodies an 80s look, with co-star Frank Dillane – who plays antique dealer Boisie – offing a little slicked-back charm too. They’re pictured in front of a American-inspired motorway service diner, on a Ford Capri, for an added air of authenticity.
The cast of Joan
The wider cast for Joan includes Kirsty J. Curtis, Gershwyn Eustache Jnr, Laura Aikman, Nick Blood, Jack Greenlees, Alex Blake, Caroline Faber and Dorothy Atkinson.
Filming has begun in Herne Bay, before the shoot continues to locations in and around Birmingham and the Midlands.
We’ll keep you posted on Joan.
Original article (of 10/11/22) follows…
Sophie Turner to star as notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington
The former Game of Thrones star will lead the forthcoming ITVX drama Joan.
ITVX have commissioned a six-part drama inspired by the story of the notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington. In the title role, they’ve cast “Queen in the North” Sophie Turner.
Set in the 1980s, the show promises to be a powerful female led story. It comes from writer Anna Symon (Mrs Wilson, The Essex Serpent).
Here’s what ITV say about the show:
We’re first introduced to Joan in her twenties, a fiery, uncompromising, and intoxicating character, who is not without her own deep scars and vulnerability, as a doting and loving young mother to 4-year-old Debbie. She’s in a disastrous marriage to a violent thug, and when he goes on the run, Joan seizes the moment to leave her old life.
Inspired by her desire to care for Debbie and create a secure home for her daughter, Joan makes some heart-breaking decisions as she sets her sights on a better life.
Making full use of her sharp intelligence, charm, and her talent for impersonation and performance, we follow the twists and turns in Joan’s life, the ups and downs, the heartache and the joy, which makes her story a compelling television drama.
Of her new role, Sophie Turner said:
“I’m so excited to be bringing Joan Hannington’s fascinating life story to screen in Joan. She is one of the most notorious figures in the criminal underworld of London, earning her the nickname “The Godmother.” A woman who goes between her thriving and daring career as a jewel thief, all whilst trying to get her daughter back from social services, we see a mother in despair swept up in the exhilarating world of crime.”
Writer Anna Symon adds:
“From penniless single parent to accomplished diamond thief, Joan Hannington’s life story is a thrilling, rags-to-riches rollercoaster. I couldn’t be more excited to watch the stellar talent Sophie Turner step into Joan’s shoes. Ever since I first read Joan’s explosive memoir, I have been desperate to bring her story to screen and I am thrilled to be collaborating once again with the incredibly talented teams at Snowed-In Productions and ITV. With the brilliant Richard Laxton at the helm, I cannot wait to get started.”
Joan’s director is Richard Laxton (The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe) and the producer is Paul Frift (Good Omens). Executive Producers are Ruth Kenley-Letts, Jenny Van Der Lande and Neil Blair. The show comes from Snowed-In Productions (Stonehouse, The Midwich Cuckoos).
We’ll keep you posted on Joan.