Ruth Ellis (Boynton) was hanged in 1955 at age 28. Over two parallel timelines, Ruth will examine what really happened in the months leading up to Ellis killing her lover, the race car driver David Blakely.

Across four parts, the drama will show her rise into London’s upper classes as a nightclub manager, and the abuse she suffered at the hands of Blakely in her toxic and volatile relationship.

In the press release, ITV promises to reveal truths about the infamous case that have remained buried for decades, and which could have stopped her execution by hangman Albert Pierrepoint, had they been aired in court.

Lucy Boynton (Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?) says: “Ruth Ellis’ story is a fascinating one. Both she and this complex case have always evoked a strong reaction, and with Kelly [Jones’] insightful scripts I’m looking forward to bringing a new perspective to both familiar audiences as well as those who are unaware of her mark on British history.”

ITV’s Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones says: “There is so much more to the Ruth Ellis story than we think we know.

"Kelly's scripts brilliantly explore not only how the emotional and physical abuse she suffered drove her to commit a terrible crime but also the desperate last-minute attempt to save her as she and her supporters battled an unforgiving Establishment.”