"Not for the faint-hearted”: why ITV’s tragic true crime drama A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story will shock you

A new true crime drama is coming to ITV - and it's not for the faint-hearted. In fact, we're betting the story behind A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story will shock you. The drama is set in 1950s London, and brings to life the experiences of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the UK. ITV bill the show as "telling the hidden story of Ruth Ellis and exposes the timeless British obsessions of class, sex and death."

Here's everything you need to know about the gripping new release...

What is A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story about?

The plot follows club manager Ruth Ellis who, at 28 years old, is the youngest manager in London's glamorous nightlife scene. However, her successful life begins to come apart as she becomes trapped in an abusive relationship with racing driver David Blakely. ITV tease an "intoxicating love triangle" which will lead to "death and tragedy" in "the glamorous and intoxicating world of London club-land".

Is it based on a true story?

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is based on the real life of Ruth Ellis, who was hanged in 1955 and was the last woman to be executed in UK. The screenplay was adapted from Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story.

Who plays Ruth Ellis?

Ruth Ellis is played by actor Lucy Boynton, who has starred in films including Bohemian Rhapsody, Miss Potter and Murder on the Orient Express.

Who else is in the cast of A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?

There's a strong cast behind the latest drama, starring alongside Lucy Boyton in the lead role. Perhaps the most interesting casting choice is Nigel Havers, who plays his real life grandfather Judge Havers, who sentenced the real Ruth Ellis to death.

The full cast includes:

• Toby Jones - John Bickford (Ruth Ellis' solicitor)

• Laurie Davidson - David Blakely

• Mark Stanley

• Nigel Havers - Justice Havers

• Roby Stephens - Melford Stevenson QC

• Arthur Darvill - Victor Mischon

• Joe Armstrong - DCI Leslie Davis

• Juliet Stevenson - Dr Charity Taylor

• Bessie Carter - Carole Findlater

• Audrey Brisson - Jacqueline Dyer

When is A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story on TV?

The gripping true crime drama airs on Wednesday 5th March at 9pm on ITV and can be streamed on ITVX.

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