Lucy Boynton to star in ITV drama Ruth

Lucy Boynton is to star in new ITV drama 'Ruth'.

The 29-year-old actress will lead the cast of the upcoming four-part series, which will tell the gripping story of Britain’s last woman to hang, Ruth Ellis.

Lucy said: "Ruth Ellis’ story is a fascinating one.

"Both she and this complex case have always evoked a strong reaction, and with Kelly’s 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."

The drama, which has been written by Kelly Jones, is set in 1955 and will premiere on ITV1 and be available for streaming on ITVX.

'Ruth' will be told over two parallel timelines, and will pose questions about what really happened in the months before Ruth killed her lover David Blakely.

The drama will see Ellis as a young nightclub manageress, her abusive relationship with Blakely, and her subsequent arrest, trial and the legal fight to reprieve her before she was hanged by infamous hangman, Albert Pierrepoint, in Holloway Prison, aged just 28 in 1955.

'Ruth' has been commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill and Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair Jones.

Huw said: "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.

"We're thrilled to be working with Lucy Boynton and Silverprint Pictures to bring this compelling story to the ITV and ITVX audience."