Published: December 3, 2024 -- It was announced today that the BritBox Original true crime drama, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, starring Lucy Boynton as ambitious, brave and steadfast Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in Britain, will premiere with two episodes on February 17.

The British streaming service debuted a trailer and first look images for the new series based on Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography, A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story (https://amzn.to/4ib1JyK)

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is a compelling true crime drama telling the hidden story of Ruth Ellis and exposing the timeless British obsessions of class, sex and death. Set in 1955 in the glamorous and intoxicating world of London club-land, Ruth found acclaim, aged 28, as the capital's youngest club manager. But her success soon unraveled as she became entwined in an abusive relationship with racing driver David Blakely. On trial for his murder, Ruth was condemned to die by a system which judged her for far more than her crime.

Cast:

Lucy Boynton, Toby Jones, Laurie Davidson, Mark Stanley, Bessie Carter

Creatives:

Kelly Jones (Writer), Lee Haven Jones (Director), Angie Daniell (Producer), Carol Ann Lee (Author of A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story)

Executive Producers:

Kate Bartlett, Antonia Gordon, Kelly Jones

Following the two-episode premiere, the series will roll out weekly until its March 3 finale.