Left Bank Pictures is developing a drama about Jane Andrews, who worked for the Duchess of York before her criminal conviction.
- The show will explore Andrews’ rise to prominence and her dramatic fall from grace, which ended in murder.
- Writer Debbie O’Malley highlights themes of female ambition, class, and obsession with royalty in this series.
- Filming in Grimsby and London, the drama aims to capture the complexities of the case.
- The series will air on ITV and ITVX in early 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to a well-known story.
Left Bank Pictures has announced a new drama focusing on Jane Andrews, a former aide to the Duchess of York who was convicted of murder. The four-part series, known as ‘The Lady,’ promises to delve into the real-life events that led Andrews from a young working-class background in Grimsby to becoming part of the high-profile royal circle at Buckingham Palace.
Andrews’ story is characterised by her significant social ascent followed by a catastrophic decline. Initially employed as a dresser for the Duchess of York, Andrews’ life took a tragic turn, culminating in the murder of her lover, Thomas Cressman. This crime, tried in 2001, drew worldwide attention. Writer Debbie O’Malley describes the narrative as a complex exploration of themes such as gender ambition, societal class structures, and a relentless fascination with the British Royal Family.
The production, involving industry notable Florence Haddon-Cave, and under the expertise of executive producers like Sian McWilliams and Andy Harries from Left Bank Pictures, brings a nuanced description of these multifaceted themes. The dramatic reenactment is set to engage viewers by shedding light on the myriad factors at play behind the sensational headlines of the time.
The directing of the series will be led by Lee Haven Jones, with oversight from industry leaders like Helen Ziegler for ITV. The production highlights a rich tapestry of ambition, identity, and celebrity—elements central to Andrews’ controversial life story. The drama will commence filming in early 2025, capturing key locations in the UK such as Grimsby and London, aiming to portray these personal and societal conflicts authentically.
Scheduled for early 2025, ‘The Lady’ presents a profound reflection on Jane Andrews’ tragic journey.
