ITV has revealed a first-look image of Lucy Boynton as Ruth Ellis in the upcoming series on the last woman to be hanged in the UK.
Set in 1955, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story follows the 28-year-old club owner as she gets entangled in a toxic relationship with racing driver David Blakely and is then accused of his murder.
"On trial for his murder, Ruth was condemned to hang by a system which judged her for far more than her crime," the synopsis reads.
Related: ITV share first trailer for Yorkshire Ripper drama as Toby Jones leads manhunt
The newly released image sees Boynton as Ruth wearing a coral dress and a curly, blonde hairdo as she smiles at the camera, a cigarette resting in between her fingers.
The four-part drama is executive produced by Silverprint Pictures (Vera, Shetland) for ITV and ITVX and is based on Carol Ann Lee's biography A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story, with Kelly Jones (Des, The Long Call, Baptiste) adapting the story for television.
What to Read Next
The cast includes Toby Jones, Laurie Davidson and Mark Stanley, with Joe Armstrong, Arthur Darvill, Toby Stephens and Juliet Stevenson also appearing in supporting roles.
"Lucy Boynton is absolutely mesmerising as Ruth Ellis, pictured here at the height of her success as London's youngest club manager," Kate Bartlett, executive producer for Silverprint Pictures said in a statement.
"Aged 28, her ascendancy was brought to a sharp halt when she became enmeshed in an intoxicating love triangle, which brought death and tragedy."
Related: Queen's Brian May offers update on possibility of Bohemian Rhapsody sequel
Previously speaking on taking on such a layered real-life role, Boynton said she was hoping to bring "a new perspective" on the controversial case.
"Ruth Ellis' story is a fascinating one," the Bohemian Rhapsody star said last year.
"Both she and this complex case have always evoked a strong reaction, and with Kelly's insightful scripts I'm looking forward to bringing a new perspective to both familiar audiences as well as those who are unaware of her mark on British history."
A release date for A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is yet to be announced.
You Might Like...
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
