A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story

45min

Drama

Crime

A 1950s true crime drama about Ruth Ellis, the last woman in Britain to be hanged. This startling story reveals hidden truths about Ruth's murder of her lover, the legal case surrounding it and those who were also complicit.

Episodes

Cast

Episode 1

1. Episode 1

48min

17th Feb 2025

Ruth Ellis is arrested for killing her lover, David, with a gun in her hand. While the police see an open-and-shut case, her solicitor, John Bickford, suspects there’s more to the story.

Episode 2

2. Episode 2

46min

17th Feb 2025

At the Old Bailey, Ruth faces judgment shaped by British class and legal biases. Bickford fears she’s withholding vital details that could save her. Outside the courtroom, we uncover her sacrifices for David and a toxic love triangle.

Episode 3

3. Episode 3

47min

24th Feb 2025

Found guilty and sentenced to hang, Ruth reflects on her relationship, lost dreams, and pregnancy, as her lawyer pressures the Home Office for a reprieve. Desperate and reliant on Desmond for her son, Ruth faces the weight of her looming fate.

Episode 4

4. Episode 4

45min

5th Mar 2025

The day before Ruth's execution, she finally agrees to tell her new lawyer, Victor Mishcon, the full story, the whole truth. Mishcon has twenty-four hours to save her life.

First air date

17th Feb 2025

Last air date

5th Mar 2025

Status

Returning Series

Type

Miniseries

Original language

en

Networks