CRIME of passion

LUCY BOYNTON on a true-crime drama exploring the tragic case of Ruth Ellis

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On 13 July 1955, Ruth Ellis became the last woman to be hanged in Britain, after she was found guilty of murdering her abusive lover David Blakely. Now, new ITV1 drama A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, inspired by Carol Ann Lee's factual book A Fine Day for a Hanging, takes a fresh look at the controversial case.

The four-part series explores how, after a difficult past, single mother and nightclub manager Ruth (portrayed by The Ipcress File star Lucy Boynton) has a glamorous life running the Little Club in London's Knightsbridge. Despite attracting the devoted attention of one of her customers, Desmond Cussen (Happy Valley's Mark Stanley), Ruth begins a relationship with upper-crust racing driver David (Mary & George’s Laurie Davidson), who quickly becomes violent.

As events culminate on Easter Sunday 1955 with Ruth shooting David dead outside The Magdala pub in Hampstead, the drama then examines her trial and subsequent death sentence, which creates a public outcry. But solicitor John Bickford (Mr Bates Vs The Post Office's Toby Jones) begins a desperate fight to try to save her life. Here, Lucy, 31, tells us about bringing the story to our screens...

Why do you think that this case still intrigues people almost 70 years on?

The fascination comes from not understanding how this could happen. Ruth was 28 and David was 25, and there was an emotive response from people. Some felt she should be hanged as they worried other women would want to stand up for themselves. Others knew this was barbaric.

What take does this drama have on Ruth Ellis' story?

We've never had the full picture. I hope it's a catalyst for conversation, because this is a look at Ruth, not as hero or villain, just as a person.