EXCLUSIVE: The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures has landed on its next royal project.
With Netflix’s smash hit becoming a more distant memory, Left Bank has turned attention to an ITV and BritBox International drama about Jane Andrews, the Duchess of York’s former aide and dresser who was convicted of murder. Sony Pictures Television will sell globally.
The Lady charts the rise and fall of former royal dresser Jane Andrews, whose rags to riches fairytale fell apart when she was convicted of murder. Moving amongst the highest social circles in Britain, she managed to secure a place in the upper-classes, only to lose her job with the Duchess after nine years of service. Having worked in these upper echelons of British royal society, she was subsequently convicted of murdering her husband Thomas Cressman in 2001. She was released in 2019.
ITV said the drama will be partly fictionalized. It will be penned by Debbie O’Malley (Payback, Humans, Harlots) and directed by Lee Haven Jones (The Feast, Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, Passenger). Set in Grimsby and London, The Lady will commence filming during the early part of 2025 with news of casting and key production personnel announced closer to the date.
Jane Andrews. Image: Peter Jordan – PA Images / Contributor
ITV commissioner Helen Ziegler said: “Debbie’s compelling and brilliant scripts re-evaluate what we think we know of Jane Andrews and the events that led to the tragic end of Thomas Cressman’s life.”
Robert Schildhouse President, BritBox North America and General Manager, BritBox International, added: “Inspired by true events, The Lady is a riveting exploration of ambition, desire, and the pursuit of social mobility. With a brilliant script penned by Debbie O’Malley, and with the creative partnership of Left Bank Pictures and ITV, we are intent on portraying this true crime drama with nuance and depth.”
Since finishing The Crown, Left Bank has landed orders for the likes of the BBC’s This City is Ours. The Lady will be exec produced by Left Bank’s Andy Harries, Sian McWilliams and Rebecca Hodgson. Robert Schildhouse, Jess O’Riordan and Stephen Nye executive produce on behalf of BritBox International. Florence Haddon-Cave (Everything Now, Quiz, The Crown) will produce the series.
The Lady is the second ITV drama revealed this week by Deadline. We also brought you news of period drama Majesty from a trio of ex-Grey’s Anatomy showrunners.
