The highly anticipated limited series A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is set to premiere on February 17, 2025, on BritBox in the US and Canada, and on ITV and ITVX in the UK. This gripping true crime drama, starring Lucy Boynton as Ruth Ellis, promises to unravel the hidden truths behind one of Britain’s most notorious criminal cases. With a stellar cast and a compelling storyline, this series is already generating significant buzz.
Plot Overview
A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story delves into the life of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain. The series explores her glamorous yet tumultuous life as the youngest nightclub manageress in London at the age of 28, her violent and abusive relationship with David Blakely, and the events that led to her cold-blooded killing of him.
Told over two parallel time periods, the series uncovers hidden truths about the case that have remained buried for decades. It raises compelling questions about what truly happened in the months leading up to the murder, shedding light on Ruth’s arrest, trial, and subsequent legal battle before her execution by the infamous hangman Albert Pierrepoint.
The series is based on Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography, A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story, and offers a fresh perspective on the timeless British obsessions of class, love, and death.
Cast List
The series features an incredible ensemble cast, including:
- Lucy Boynton as Ruth Ellis
- Toby Stephens
- Toby Jones
- Juliet Stevenson
- Amanda Drew as Bertha
- Joe Armstrong
- Laurie Davidson
- Arthur Darvill
- Bessie Carter as Carole Findlater
- Mark Stanley
- Jack Staddon
- Ed Sayer as Anthony Findlater
- Darren Charman as Foreman
- Adam Lawrence as DI Peter Gill
- Tony Wadham as Arthur Neilson
- Pierre Bergman as Reporter
- Annie Miles as Mrs. Winstanley
- Tim Potter as Albert Pierrepoint
- Advait Kottary as Jayveer Sethia
- Israr Azam as Cooch Behar
- Lawrence Aram as Edward Cusins
What to Expect
Lucy Boynton, who portrays Ruth Ellis, brings depth and nuance to the role, capturing the ambition, bravery, and steadfastness of the controversial figure. In one of the scenes, Boynton is seen wearing a knee-length pleated skirt paired with a double-breasted top that doubles as a vest, layered over a white round-neck shirt with a bow tie—a look that reflects the fashion of the era and Ruth’s glamorous lifestyle.
The four-part series will premiere with two episodes on February 17, followed by weekly releases until the finale on March 3. The show is billed as a compelling true crime drama that not only tells Ruth’s story but also exposes the societal issues of class, love, and death that continue to resonate today.
FAQ
Where to watch A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story online?
The series will be available to stream on BritBox in the US and Canada, and on ITV and ITVX in the UK.
What is ‘A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story’ going to be like?
The series is a gripping true crime drama that explores the life of Ruth Ellis, her glamorous yet tragic journey, and the hidden truths behind her infamous case. It’s a story of ambition, betrayal, and the societal pressures of class and love.
What time does A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story Season 1 air?
The exact airtime has not yet been announced, but the series will premiere on February 17, 2025. Stay tuned for updates from BritBox and ITV.
Will there be a Season 2 of A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?
As of now, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is planned as a limited series with only one season consisting of four episodes. There has been no official announcement regarding a second season.
Why You Should Watch
A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is more than just a true crime drama—it’s a poignant exploration of a woman’s life caught in the crosshairs of love, betrayal, and societal expectations. With Lucy Boynton’s captivating performance, a stellar supporting cast, and a story that sheds light on hidden truths, this series is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and true crime.
Mark your calendars for February 17, 2025, and prepare to dive into the fascinating and tragic world of Ruth Ellis. Don’t miss this compelling series that promises to leave a lasting impact.
