ITV to air drama about Britain’s last hanged woman, Ruth Ellis

As part of a four-part drama series, Ruth, ITV will tell the story of Britain’s last woman to hang, Ruth Ellis.

The former nightclub hostess was hanged at Holloway Prison at the age of 28 after being found guilty of killing her boyfriend, David Blakley.

Lucy Boynton will play the title role in writer Kelly Jones’ dramatisation of the events for ITV.

Taking place in 1955, and told in two parallel timelines, Ruth reveals secret truths about the murder case which have been hidden for decades, poses tantalizing questions about what really happened before Ruth murdered her lover David Blakely, and sheds light on the life of one of Britain’s most infamous murderesses.

Boynton – whose previous credits include The Ipcress File, and Chevalier – said she was looking forward to “bringing a new perspective” to Ellis’ case.

“Ruth Ellis’ story is a fascinating one. 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,” the actress said

Ruth is based on Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story.

The drama will be produced by ITV studios’ Silverprint Pictures.