Sherlock star among new cast joining Lucy Boynton for new true crime series
Sherlock star Toby Jones has joined Lucy Boynton in the cast for new ITV drama Ruth.
The four-part series details the life of Ruth Ellis (Boynton), who was convicted of murder in 1955 after she killed David Blakely, with the nightclub hostess becoming the last woman to be hanged under capital punishment in Britain.
Jones, who appeared in ‘The Lying Detective’ episode of Sherlock, will play Ellis’ solicitor John Bickford, who “gradually realises the extent of Ruth's abuse at the hands of Blakely – and who takes on the fight to make the case for provocation.”
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Other additions to the cast include Laurie Davidson, Mark Stanley, Joe Armstrong, Arthur Darvill, Juliet Stevenson and Toby Stephens, with Kelly Jones and Lee Haven Jones on writing and directing duties respectively.
Davidson will assume the role of Blakely, whilst Happy Valley star Armstrong will play the detective in charge of the case. Darvill, who has appeared on Doctor Who and Broadchurch, will play Ellis’ “charismatic” divorce lawyer, with Stanley playing a “devoted admirer.”
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome such a stellar cast to join the amazing Lucy Boynton and bring to the screen our wonderful scripts by Kelly Jones,” said executive producers Kate Bartlett and Antonia Gordon. “We could not have dreamed of a more perfect cast to tell the compelling and complex story of Ruth Ellis.”
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Boynton, who has also starred in Sing Street and Bohemian Rhapsody, said of the project earlier this year: “Ruth Ellis' story is a fascinating one. Both she and this complex case have always evoked a strong reaction.
“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.”
Ruth will air on ITV in 2024.
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