ITV has commissioned a four-part drama about the life of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain in the 1950s.
Ruth will be set in two parallel timelines, following the character - played by Bohemian Rhapsody's Lucy Boynton - as she enters London high society and embarks upon an abusive relationship with a man she goes on to murder.
The drama, written by Kelly Jones, will also cover Ruth's arrest, her trial, the attempts to save her from execution - and ultimately, her death by hanging in Holloway Prison at the age of 28.
"Ruth Ellis's story is a fascinating one," said Boynton. "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."
ITV's drama commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones added: "There is so much more to the Ruth Ellis story than we think we know.
"Kelly's scripts brilliantly explore not only how the emotional and physical abuse she suffered drove her to commit a terrible crime but also the desperate last-minute attempt to save her as she and her supporters battled an unforgiving establishment."
The drama is expected to premiere on ITV1 in 2024.
Neil Wilkes
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