FIRST LOOK at Lucy Boynton as she transforms into Ruth Ellis – the last woman in the UK to hang – in intoxicating new ITV drama

A first photo shows Lucy Boynton transforming into Ruth Ellis for a new ITV drama. She was the last woman in Britain to be hanged for her crime.

The series tells the harrowing story of a nightclub manager who was hanged at the age of 28 after shooting dead her abusive lover David Blakely.

Set in 1955, in the glamorous and intoxicating world of London clubland, Ellis rose to fame as the capital’s youngest club manager.

But her success soon faded when she became involved in an abusive relationship with racing driver David. When Ellis went on trial for his murder, he was sentenced to hang by a system that convicted her for much more than just her crime.

An exclusive image shows Lucy embodying Ellis’ elegance as she wears bright blonde finger wave locks that expose bling earrings and casually holds a lit cigarette.

The star grins from her ruby ​​red painted lips and looks glamorous in a strapless red bodice.

Speaking about the first look at Lucy, executive producer of Silverprint Pictures, Kate Bartlett said: ‘Lucy Boynton is absolutely fascinating as Ruth Ellis, pictured here, at the height of her success as London’s youngest club manager.

“At the age of 28, her ascendancy came to an abrupt halt when she became entangled in a heady love triangle involving death and tragedy.”

Bohemian Rhapsody star Lucy said: ‘Ruth Ellis’ story is fascinating. Both she and this complex case have always provoked strong reactions.

“With Kelly’s insightful scripts, I look forward to bringing a new perspective to both familiar audiences and those unaware of her mark on British history.”

Ellis was hanged by the famous executioner, Albert Pierrepoint, in Holloway Prison.

The four-part series is described as ‘a riveting legal and emotional rollercoaster’ and is based on Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography A Fine Day for hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story.

The series tells the story of Ellis’ life as a manageress, her abusive relationship and her subsequent arrest, trial and legal battle to grant her a reprieve.

The upcoming four-part series tells the harrowing story of a nightclub hostess (pictured in 1954) who was hanged at the age of 28 after shooting her abusive lover.

Bohemian Rhapsody star Lucy (out in November) said: ‘Ruth Ellis’ story is fascinating. Both they and this complex case have always provoked strong reactions.”

‘Secret Truths’ Ruth will ask tantalizing questions about what really happened in the months before Ruth murdered her lover David Blakely (pictured in 1955)

In October, Lucy, brandishing a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver, created one of the most iconic crime stories. scenes from British history in which she stars as the last woman sent to the gallows.

Lucy was captured playing Ruth killing her lover, race car driver David, played by actor Laurie Davidson.

Producers of the drama decided to return to the exact spot where Ellis murdered her boyfriend on April 10, 1955 to film the scene.

These photos of Lucy and Laurie were taken outside the Magdala pub in north London, where Ellis fired five shots at Blakely, with one bullet ricocheting off the pavement and wounding a passer-by.

With her bleached hair and red lipstick, the actress is seen walking towards Blakeley before firing the gun at close range.

An ITV spokesperson said of the drama: ‘The powerful mystery of what compelled Ruth Ellis to take the life of the man she had a passionate but toxic and volatile relationship with will reveal there was more to this crime of passion than Ruth had prepared. say.

Lucy was captured playing Ruth killing her lover, racing driver David Blakely, played by actor Laurie Davidson, in October

Ellis was hanged in 1955 at the age of just 28 by the famous executioner, Albert Pierrepoint, at Holloway Prison (pictured in 1954)

“Her silence and resistance to speak about what happened between her and the dashing driver Blakely is far more complex than she admitted.

‘Ruth’s lawyer, the low-status but intelligent and sensitive John Bickford, begins to realize something of what she has suffered and believes they must plead provocation.

“With the stakes that couldn’t be higher, literally life or death, Bickford begins his own investigation and uncovers details that could have saved her life had these facts been exposed in court.”