Stellar cast announced for ITV’s drama “Ruth” depicting Ruth Ellis’s untold story

Silverprint Pictures and ITV have announced additional significant casting for the upcoming drama, “Ruth”. The series depicts the untold narrative of Ruth Ellis, the nightclub manageress and convicted murderer, who was the final woman to be executed in the UK.

Toby Jones (known for “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” and “Empire of Light”) will portray John Bickford, Ruth Ellis’s solicitor. Bickford gradually uncovers the extent of Ruth’s mistreatment by David Blakely, and he takes up the fight to present the case for provocation.

Laurie Davidson (from “Mary and George” and “Guilty Party”) takes on the role of David Blakely, Ruth’s abusive lover and victim.

Mark Stanley (renowned for “Happy Valley” and “Dark River”) plays Desmond Cussen, Ruth’s devoted admirer and occasional lover. He is a regular at the Little Club and becomes entangled in Ruth’s toxic love triangle with Blakely.

Other pivotal roles include:

Joe Armstrong (known for “Happy Valley” and “Gentleman Jack”) as DCI Davies, the detective in charge of Ruth’s case.

Arthur Darvill (from “Broadchurch” and “Sandman”) as Victor Mishcon, Ruth’s charismatic divorce lawyer who champions her cause for reprieve.

Juliet Stevenson (renowned for “Truly, Madly, Deeply” and “Wolf”) will portray Dr. Charity Taylor, the Governess of Holloway Prison.

Toby Stephens (known for “Die Another Day” and “Black Sails”) takes on the role of Melford Stevenson QC, Ruth’s defence barrister.

Set in 1955, “Ruth” is based on the acclaimed biography “A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story” by Carol Ann Lee. The adaptation has been handled by Kelly Jones (known for “The Long Call”, “Des”, and “Baptiste”) and will be produced by the esteemed team at Silverprint Pictures, a part of ITV Studios known for their work on “Shetland”, “Vera”, and “Flesh and Blood”.

The production of “Ruth” was greenlit by ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, and Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair Jones. Kelly Jones has authored all four scripts, with Angie Daniell (known for “World on Fire”, “Vigil”, and “The Long Call”) overseeing the production. Lee Haven Jones, director of “Passenger”, “Feast”, and “The Long Call”, will helm all four episodes.

Kate Bartlett, Creative Director at Silverprint (known for “Shetland”, “Vera”, “Flesh and Blood”, and “The Long Call”), serves as the executive producer alongside Antonia Gordon, Development Director for Silverprint Pictures.

Commented Kate Bartlett and Antonia Gordon; “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. We could not have dreamed of a more perfect cast to tell the compelling and complex story of Ruth Ellis.”

“Ruth” is produced in association with ITV Studios, which will oversee global distribution.