ITV’s The Lady Cast Revealed: Mia McKenna-Bruce, Game of Thrones & Outlander Stars Join Drama

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Announced is the casting for the fresh ITV drama titled The Lady. This series will trace the journey of Jane Andrews, a former royal attire provider, who was found guilty of murder.

In this updated version, here’s how you can rephrase it: Mia McKenna-Bruce, known for her role in How to Have Sex, has been confirmed to play the lead character Andrews in a four-part series. Meanwhile, Natalie Dormer, famous for Game of Thrones, is set to portray Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, who was once employed as a dresser by Jane (the character Mia will be playing).

I’m thrilled to share that the talented Ed Speleers, renowned for his captivating performances in Outlander and You, has been cast as Thomas Cressman, the beloved partner of Jane, whose unfortunate fate led to her incarceration in a forthcoming production.

Besides the specifics of their roles being undisclosed, it’s confirmed that the ensemble will feature actors such as Philip Glenister, Claire Skinner, Laura Aikman, Ophelia Lovibond, Mark Stanley, Daniel Ryan, and Sean Teale.

In the year 2024, McKenna-Bruce was awarded the BAFTA Rising Star Prize, a recognition she earned through her outstanding performance as the leading actress in How to Have Sex. Furthermore, she is poised to take on the lead role in an upcoming Agatha Christie series titled The Seven Dials Mystery.

Regarding The Lady, the upcoming drama is inspired by genuine incidents connected to Jane Andrews’s story yet incorporates a degree of fictionalization. In essence, it portrays the rise and fall of a former royal attendant whose enchanting rags-to-riches narrative took an unfortunate turn when she was found guilty of murder.

Originally from a humble background as a working-class girl, Jane unexpectedly secured a position as the Duchess of York’s personal attendant at Buckingham Palace, leaving her friends and relatives in awe.

In the elite society of Great Britain, Jane found herself well-positioned and was able to gain entry into the upper class. However, following nearly a decade of employment with the Duchess, she unfortunately lost her position.

After experiencing a significant downfall, Jane encountered an engaging businessman named Thomas Cressman, whom she fell deeply for. However, as time passed, flaws started appearing in the relationship that Jane had built all her dreams upon, leading to unfortunate outcomes.

Back in December 2024, we first heard the exciting news that the series was set to be made. This production is under the capable hands of Left Bank Pictures, known for creating The Crown, with Debbie O’Malley, screenwriter of Payback and Harlots, penning the script. Lee Haven Jones, director of Passenger, will be at the helm.

Jane once worked as an assistant and wardrobe attendant for Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York (commonly known as ‘Fergie’), at Buckingham Palace. However, she was let go in 1997. In 2001, Jane was convicted of the murder of her boyfriend, Thomas Cressman, and received a life sentence. She was freed from prison in 2019.

Speaking about the series news in December, senior ITV drama commissioner Helen Ziegler commented that Debbie’s captivating and insightful scripts offer a fresh perspective on Jane Andrews and the circumstances surrounding the sad demise of Thomas Cressman.

It’s a joy for us to collaborate with the Left Bank crew in presenting this intricate portrayal of class, fame, drive, and individuality on ITV and ITVX.

In 2001, when Jane Andrews stood trial for murdering Thomas Cressman, the news spread globally. However, beneath the sensational headlines, there was a far more intricate, poignant, and thought-provoking narrative – one that delved into female ambition, human weakness, and a tragic sequence of events that culminated in the loss of a life. (Written by Debbie O’Malley)

This tale, bound by our persistent concern for social status and unrelenting fascination with the monarchy, remains just as applicable today as it was two decades back.

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2025-03-19 20:06