Sophie Turner Lands Lead Role as a Jewel Thief in New ITVX Crime Drama, "Joan"
She wowed fans as Sansa Stark in "Game of Thrones" which saw her nominated for an Emmy, starred alongside Colin Firth and Toni Colette in the eight-part drama "The Staircase", and most recently took on a comedic role in Netflix's "Do Revenge". And ITV confirmed on 9 Nov. that Sophie Turner is taking the lead role in gritty new six-part drama, "Joan", based on a true story of the notorious jewel thief, Joan Hannington.
"I'm so excited to be bringing Joan Hannington's fascinating life story to screen in Joan," Turner said of the new casting. "She is one of the most notorious figures in the criminal underworld of London, earning her the nickname 'The Godmother.' A woman who goes between her thriving and daring career as a jewel thief, all whilst trying to get her daughter back from social services, we see a mother in despair swept up in the exhilarating world of crime."
The new role will see Turner return to London, having been residing in the US with her husband, Joe Jonas, and their two children, Willa, 2, and their baby who was born in July 2022. With filming due to begin in spring 2023, here's everything we know about Turner's exciting new drama and the incredible true story behind it.
"Joan" Plot
Set in the 1980s, Joan is fiery young woman in her twenties. She's a loving and devoted mother to her four-year old daughter, Dottie, but trapped in an awful marriage to a violent thug. When he goes on the run, she seizes her chance to leave behind her old life and create something better for her daughter. Using her natural charm and her skill for impersonation, she's swept into the world of crime and eventually becomes one of London's most notorious female criminals.
Is "Joan" based on a true story?
"Joan" is based on the true story of Joan Hannington and her own personal memoirs. After leaving her first marriage, Joan weds professional thief Boisie Hannington and the pair become Britain's most successful diamond thieves. Millions of pounds passed through the pair's hands, but tragedy struck when Boisie was killed trying to torch a house for insurance money. The death caused Joan to leave behind her criminal life and go straight. She's since become famed for telling her compelling story, releasing her memoir, "I am What I am: The True Story of Britain's Most Notorious Jewel Thief" in 2004.
"Joan" Cast
Turner will play the lead role, but no other names have been revealed yet.
"Joan" Release Date
ITV has announced that the show will start filming in Spring 2023 in London. No release date has been announced, but it seems likely it could be schedule for late 2023/early 2024. It will air on ITV's new, free streaming service ITVX.
