Mia McKenna-Bruce, who originally played Penny Branning on EastEnders, has taken on the leading role in ITV's true crime drama The Lady.
From EastEnders to True Crime
She joined EastEnders in 2008 as schoolgirl Penny Branning, the eldest child of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen). Penny was in a wheelchair after being permanently paralysed when hit by a car. She made a comeback in 2024, but is now played by Kitty Castledine.
Mia has since enjoyed roles in high-profile ITV and Netflix dramas. Earlier this year, she played Jane Andrews in The Lady, a four-part series from the creators of The Crown that delves into the real-life story of the former royal dresser to Sarah, Duchess of York, who was convicted of murdering her partner.
Critical Acclaim for The Lady
ITV has confirmed the drama is partly fictionalised but based on real events, with opening credits saying it is 'inspired by a true story'. In September 2000, Jane Andrews murdered her partner, Thomas Cressman, attacking him with a cricket bat and fatally stabbing him at their Fulham flat before going on the run. She was found days later in Cornwall, having overdosed in her car, and was later arrested and charged.
Mia's performance has won acclaim, with one Rotten Tomatoes viewer commenting: 'The Lady is an interesting watch made great thanks solely to Mia McKenna-Bruce's fantastic performance.' Another added: 'Rising star Mia McKenna-Bruce is brilliant as Jane.' A third said: 'The Lady makes a compelling true crime story into a compelling drama through the performances by both McKenna-Bruce and Dormer.'
Other Recent Roles
Mia also took the leading role in Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, an adaptation of the 1929 novel, playing amateur sleuth Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent. The three-part series features an ensemble cast including Martin Freeman, Helena Bonham Carter, Edward Bluemel, and Iain Glen.
Following her EastEnders exit, Mia played Tee Taylor on Tracy Beaker between 2010 and 2018, then secured the part of Tara in the 2023 film How to Have Sex, earning a BAFTA Rising Star Award. She also featured in Cleaning Up, The Witcher, Get Even, Vera, Last Train to Christmas, Persuasion, and The Vampire Academy.
The Lady is streaming for free on ITVX, while Agatha Christie's Seven Dials is available on Netflix.
