A first picture shows Lucy Boynton transforming into Ruth Ellis for a new ITV drama. She was the last woman in the United Kingdom to be hanged for her crime.
The series tells the gripping story of the nightclub manager who was hanged at the age of 28 after shooting her abusive lover David Blakely.
Set in the glamorous and heady world of London clubland in 1955, Ellis achieved widespread acclaim as the capital's youngest club manager.
But her success soon failed when she entered into an abusive relationship with racing driver David. When Ellis stood trial for his murder, he was sentenced to hang by a system that convicted her of much more than just her crime.
An exclusive image shows Lucy embodying Ellis' elegance by wearing bright blonde finger locks that reveal sparkling earrings and casually holding a lit cigarette.
Lucy Boynton plays Ruth Ellis – the last woman to be hanged in the UK. A first look shows the star transforming into a club hostess in a new ITV drama
The star grins through her ruby red painted lips and looks glamorous in a strapless red bodice.
Speaking about the first look at Lucy, Silverprint Pictures executive producer Kate Bartlett said: “Lucy Boynton is absolutely mesmerizing as Ruth Ellis, pictured here at the height of her success as London's youngest club manager.”
“At 28, her rise was abruptly cut short when she became embroiled in a heady love triangle that brought death and tragedy.”
Bohemian Rhapsody star Lucy said: “Ruth Ellis' story is fascinating.” Both she and this complex case have always provoked strong reactions.
“With Kelly’s insightful scripts, I look forward to bringing a new perspective to both familiar audiences and those unaware of her influence on British history.”
Ellis was hanged in Holloway Prison by famous executioner Albert Pierrepoint.
The four-part series is described as “a gripping legal and emotional rollercoaster” and is based on Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography “A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story.”
The series tells the story of Ellis' life as a manager, her abusive relationship and her subsequent arrest, trial and legal battle for redress.
The upcoming four-part series tells the gripping story of a nightclub landlady (pictured in 1954) who was hanged at the age of 28 after shooting her abusive lover
Bohemian Rhapsody star Lucy (seen in November) said: “Ruth Ellis' story is fascinating.” Both she and this complex case have always provoked a strong reaction.
“Secret Truths” Ruth will ask intriguing questions about what really happened in the months before Ruth killed her lover David Blakely (pictured 1955).
In October, Lucy recreated one of the most famous crime scenes in British history with a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver as she played the last woman sent to the gallows.
Lucy was filmed in the role of Ruth killing her lover, race car driver David, played by actress Laurie Davidson.
The drama's producers decided to return to the exact location where Ellis killed her boyfriend on April 10, 1955 to film the scene.
These photos of Lucy and Laurie were taken outside the Magdala pub in north London – where Ellis fired five shots at Blakely, with one bullet ricocheting off the pavement and wounding a passer-by.
With her bleached hair and column red lipstick, the actress is seen taking long strides towards Blakeley before firing the gun at close range.
An ITV spokesman said of the drama: “The powerful mystery of what drove Ruth Ellis to take the life of the man with whom she had a passionate but toxic and volatile relationship will reveal there is more to this crime of passion stuck when Ruth was prepared.” say.
Lucy was filmed in the role of Ruth killing her lover, racing driver David Blakely, played by actress Laurie Davidson, in October
Ellis was hanged in Holloway Prison by famous executioner Albert Pierrepoint in 1955, aged just 28 (pictured 1954).
“Her silence and reluctance to talk about what happened between her and dashing race car driver Blakely are far more complex than she let on.”
“Ruth’s lawyer, the low-ranking but intelligent and sensitive John Bickford, begins to realize what she has suffered and believes they must resort to provocation.”
“Because the stakes could not be higher, literally life or death, Bickford begins his own investigation and uncovers details that could have saved her life if these facts had come to light in court.”