The Lady on ITV promises to be one of the most gripping true-crime adaptations of the year. Based on the life of Jane Andrews, the former royal aide to Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, the series delves into a chilling story of ambition, privilege and a tragic downfall that led to murder.
What is The Lady about?
Inspired by true events, ITV's new drama The Lady weaves a rags-to-riches narrative that spirals into tragedy. It traces the journey of a young working-class girl from Grimsby who rises through the ranks to become the Duchess of York’s dresser, living a life of privilege and close proximity to royalty. However, this meteoric rise ultimately leads to a shocking and devastating downfall.
Here's the official synopsis: "Once a young working-class girl from Grimsby, Jane answered an advertisement in the magazine The Lady and to the astonishment of her friends and family, became the Duchess of York’s dresser at Buckingham Palace.
"Moving amongst the highest social circles in Britain, Jane managed to secure a place in the upper-classes, only to lose her job with the Duchess after nine years of service.
"Still reeling from her fall from grace, Jane went on to meet charismatic businessman Thomas Cressman and fell deeply in love.
"Soon cracks began to develop in the romance Jane had pinned all her hopes on, with disastrous consequences."
Who's in the cast?
Mia McKenna-Bruce will be leading the cast of The Lady on ITV, portraying Jane Andrews, the former royal aide whose dramatic rise and tragic fall inspire the series. Mia first rose to fame as Tee Taylor in the long-running CBBC dramas Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground. The actress has since built an impressive career with notable roles in films such as How to Have Sex, Persuasion and the upcoming Agatha Christie adaptation The Seven Dials Mystery. In 2024 she won the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award.
Meanwhile, actress Natalie Dormer will be stepping into the shoes of Sarah, Duchess of York. She is known for her standout performances as Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones and Anne Boleyn in The Tudors.
Ed Speleers is playing Thomas Cressman, the wealthy businessman whose relationship with Jane Andrews ended in tragedy. He is best known for his roles in Downton Abbey, Outlander, and more recently You on Netflix.
The supporting cast also includes a string of famous faces: Philip Glenister (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered, The Trial), Laura Aikman (Gavin and Stacey, This City Is Ours),Ophelia Lovibond (W1A, Trying), Mark Stanley (Happy Valley, Adolescence), Daniel Ryan (Mount Pleasant, The Bay) and Sean Teale (Skins, Reign).
What's the true story behind The Lady on ITV?
Jane Andrews once held a prestigious position as a personal dresser to Sarah, Duchess of York, but her life took a dark and tragic turn. Originally from Grimsby, she began her career in fashion by designing children's clothing for Marks & Spencer. Her entry into royal service came after she responded to a discreet job listing in The Lady magazine. Within six months, she was interviewed and hired by the Duchess.
For several years, Jane lived a life intertwined with royalty. But in 2001, everything changed when she was convicted of murdering her boyfriend, Thomas Cressman. The case shocked the nation - Cressman was attacked while he slept, first bludgeoned with a cricket bat and then fatally stabbed. The media dubbed Andrews the "Fatal Attraction Killer" due to the violent and obsessive nature of the crime.
After serving time, Andrews was released from prison in 2015 under supervision and placed in a probation hostel to help her reintegrate into society. However, she was sent back to prison in 2018 following a breach of her release conditions. She was released again the following year in 2019. According to reports, she now works at an animal hospital supported by charitable funding.
What's the release date for The Lady on ITV?
Currently, The Lady doesn't have an official release date, but we'll keep you updated as soon as we know more!
The series will consist of four parts and will air on ITV and ITVX.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and loves going on walks with her three dogs.