How did one woman change an entire country’s attitudes toward execution? “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story” chronicles the troubled life of Ellis and the infamous crime that led to her sentence. The adaptation of Carol Ann Lee’s “A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story” attempts to shine a light on the myths surrounding the historical figure. It also makes the case for this one-time club manager’s fate being connected to social perceptions as much as criminal law. ‘Cruel Love’ hails from writer Kelly Jones and director Lee Haven Jones — the former serving as executive producer with Kate Bartlett and Antonia Gordon.

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The drama stars Lucy Boynton as Ellis. Boynton is far from a newcomer to biographical projects, portraying Mary Austin in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Toby Jones, Laurie Davidson, Mark Stanley, and Bessie Carter also star in ‘Cruel Love.’

The series’ official synopsis:

“A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is a compelling true crime drama telling the hidden story of Ruth Ellis and exposing the timeless British obsessions of class, sex and death. Set in 1955 in the glamorous and intoxicating world of London club-land, Ruth found acclaim, aged 28, as the capital’s youngest club manager. But her success soon unraveled as she became entwined in an abusive relationship with racing driver David Blakely. On trial for his murder, Ruth was condemned to die by a system which judged her for far more than her crime. “

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The BritBox drama premieres February 17, 2025 with a special two-episode event. Additional episodes debut weekly until its March 3, 2025 finale. Watch the “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story” trailer below: