Left Bank Pictures, the studio behind the critically acclaimed series The Crown, has turned its attention to the horrifying true story of Jane Andrews, a former royal dresser who was convicted of murder. The new series, The Lady, will premiere on ITV and BritBox International and promise a riveting look at Andrews’ turbulent life.
The show will trace Andrews’ path from modest beginnings to her high-profile career as Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York’s dresser. Andrews worked closely with the British royal family for nine years before his dismissal. The drama will follow her life unraveling, ending in her 2001 conviction for the murder of her companion, Thomas Cressman. Andrews was released from prison in 2019, having served her sentence.
Debbie O’Malley, a renowned screenwriter, is writing the script to provide a better picture of Andrews’ life and the events that led to Cressman’s death. “Debbie’s compelling and brilliant scripts re-evaluate what we think we know of Jane Andrews,” remarked Helen Ziegler, ITV’s commissioner.
Lee Haven Jones will helm the series, which will begin filming in early 2025 in Grimsby and London. Executive producers Andy Harries, Sian McWilliams, and Rebecca Hodgson of Left Bank Pictures will lead the production, with Florence Haddon-Cave as producer. Sony Pictures Television will manage the global distribution.
While based on historical events, ITV has indicated that The Lady will be somewhat fictionalized. However, it promises to provide a detailed look at Andrews’ life, delving into themes such as ambition, desire, and the goal of social mobility. “This is a riveting exploration of ambition and the price of social aspiration,” commented BritBox International’s Robert Schildhouse.
The series aims to reveal the complexity of Andrews’ shift from a trusted royal insider to a convicted killer. With its fascinating plot and attention to detail, The Lady promises to capture audiences when it launches.
