ITV's Gripping Royal True Crime Drama 'The Lady' Set to Premiere
ITV is preparing to launch a compelling new limited series titled 'The Lady,' which delves into the dramatic rise and tragic fall of Jane Andrews, the former royal dresser to Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. This four-part drama promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of a true crime story that shocked the nation.
Release Schedule and Viewing Options
The highly anticipated series will make its grand debut on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 9pm on ITV and its streaming platform ITVX. The broadcast schedule will see episodes one and two airing on Sunday, February 22, and Monday, February 23, respectively, with the concluding episodes three and four following the subsequent Sunday and Monday.
For viewers preferring to binge-watch the entire story in one sitting, the complete series will be available on ITVX from the initial release date, offering flexible viewing options for this free streaming service.
Star-Studded Cast Bringing the Story to Life
At the center of this dramatic narrative is actress Mia McKenna-Bruce, who portrays Jane Andrews, the working-class woman from Grimsby whose life took an extraordinary turn when she became Sarah Ferguson's royal dresser. McKenna-Bruce brings considerable experience from roles in 'How To Have Sex,' 'The Fence,' 'Get Even,' and Netflix's 'Agatha Christie's Seven Dials.'
Opposite her, actor Ed Speleers plays Thomas Cressman, Jane's boyfriend who becomes her victim. Speleers is well-known for his performances as Stephen Bonnet in 'Outlander,' Jimmy Kent in 'Downton Abbey,' and Rhys Montrose in Netflix's 'You.'
Adding royal gravitas to the production, Natalie Dormer takes on the role of Sarah Ferguson, bringing her considerable talent from memorable performances as Margaery Tyrell in HBO's 'Game of Thrones' and Anne Boleyn in Channel 4's 'The Tudors.'
The Shocking True Story Behind the Drama
'The Lady' traces the remarkable journey of Jane Andrews, who responded to an advertisement in The Lady magazine and unexpectedly found herself hired as the official dresser to the former Duchess of York at Buckingham Palace. For nine years, she worked closely with Sarah Ferguson, experiencing a world of privilege and royal access that seemed far removed from her humble beginnings.
Tragically, three years after her employment ended, Andrews committed a horrific crime that would change her life forever. In a violent attack, she murdered her boyfriend Thomas Cressman, striking him with a cricket bat before fatally stabbing him in the chest.
Creative Vision and Social Commentary
Writer and executive producer Debbie O'Malley has described the project as exploring territory where 'truth is stranger than fiction.' She emphasizes that Andrews' story presents a fascinating examination of class dynamics, entitlement, and mental health issues that remain highly relevant in contemporary society.
'This story looks beyond the headlines while remaining high stakes and uniquely British,' O'Malley commented. 'It poses thought-provoking questions about class and entitlement whilst exploring issues around mental health that have never been more relevant than they are today.'
The production comes from the same team behind Netflix's award-winning series 'The Crown,' promising high production values and meticulous attention to detail in this exploration of a tragic chapter in British royal history.
