Executive producers Kate Bartlett and Antonia Gordon of Silverprint Pictures took on the tale of an "obsessive relationship" that was "toxic and abusive," meaning "it was important to tell the full story.

On the July 13, 1955, Ruth stood in front of her executioner Albert Pierrepoint and smiled with gentle acceptance of her fate. Seconds later, she became the last woman to be sentenced to death in the UK. Having hung over 430 people, her death is said to have haunted Pierrepoint.

The drama series, which also stars Laurie Davidson and Toby Jones, launches on BritBox on Monday. "She was such a contradictory and complex person, which makes my job so much more interesting."

The Ruth Ellis Story tells the hidden story of Ruth Ellis and exposes the timeless British obsessions of class, sex and death.   Set in 1955 in the glamorous and intoxicating world of London club-land,

ITV has confirmed that its upcoming drama A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story will begin airing on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Wednesday 5th March. The series – which is already available on BritBox for US viewers – is based on the true story of the last woman to be hanged in Britain, with Lucy Boynton taking on the central role.

ITV has an exciting selection of shows for viewers to dive into from next month. Here is a look at the new and returning programmes on the Channel during March. A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story

BritBox and ITV’s latest period true-crime drama, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, is based on the tragic real-life experiences of 28-year-old Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain. The first two episodes are now available to watch on BritBox.