ITV's new drama The Lady revisits the disturbing case of Jane Andrews, the former dresser to Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, who was convicted of murder. The four-part series, starring Mia McKenna-Bruce as Andrews and Natalie Dormer as Fergie, attempts to explore the story behind the tabloid headlines. However, the show struggles to justify its focus, relying heavily on the royal connection to generate interest.
Set in the Thatcher era, Andrews escapes a dead-end life in Lincolnshire to work as the Duchess's assistant dresser. The series charts her rise and fall, from the seductive trappings of palace life to a brutal murder. McKenna-Bruce captures Andrews's brittle, unlikeable personality, while Dormer portrays the Duchess as an insecure prima donna. Yet, the narrative feels flat, with Andrews's journey from Cleethorpes to Sandringham lacking dramatic momentum.
The fundamental problem is that Andrews is an unsympathetic protagonist—vain, angry, and duplicitous. Her troubled relationship with Thomas Cressman (Ed Speleers) deteriorates quickly, leaving little impression of romance. The case itself would likely not interest true-crime writers without Andrews's royal association, which the series repeatedly leans on, much like the tabloids did.
Moreover, the prurience of the case feels uncomfortable. Andrews is still alive, as are the family and friends of her victim. The series includes unproven allegations of rape, domestic abuse, and childhood sexual abuse, which adds to the unease. ITV, which has specialised in British true crime, seems to have chosen this story solely for the dark glamour of its royal link, leaving the drama inert and intrusive.
