Viewers of ITV's new four-part royal true crime drama, The Lady, have been left utterly stunned after realising where they have previously seen the actress who portrays the central character, Jane Andrews. The series, which premiered on Sunday, February 22, at 9pm, follows the compelling and tragic true story of Jane Andrews, a working-class woman from Grimsby who landed the opportunity of a lifetime when she was employed as Sarah Ferguson's Royal dresser.
The Tragic True Story Behind The Lady
Jane Andrews worked closely with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, for nine years before her life took a devastating and tragic turn. Three years after her dismissal from the royal household, she was charged with the death of her boyfriend, Thomas Cressman. This dramatic twist forms the core of the ITV drama, which delves into the high-stakes narrative of a woman whose life spiralled from privilege to peril.
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Drama to Life
In The Lady, Jane Andrews is portrayed by the talented actress Mia McKenna-Bruce. Meanwhile, her boyfriend and victim, Thomas Cressman, is played by Ed Speleers, known for his roles in Outlander, Downton Abbey, and You. Sarah Ferguson is brought to life by Natalie Dormer, acclaimed for her performances as Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones and Anne Boleyn in The Tudors.
Writer and executive producer Debbie O'Malley commented on the series, stating, "There's a saying that 'truth is stranger than fiction.' I'm not sure I'd always agree, but when I first heard about the case of Jane Andrews, it was immediately clear that her true story was every bit as intriguing, compelling, and tragically heartbreaking as any fabricated thriller." She added that the drama explores thought-provoking questions about class, entitlement, and mental health, making it uniquely British and highly relevant today.
Where Have Viewers Seen Mia McKenna-Bruce Before?
While Mia McKenna-Bruce has recently gained attention for her role in the Netflix show Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, where she played Bundle Brent alongside Helena Bonham Carter, and for her critically acclaimed performance in How To Have Sex in 2023, which earned her a BAFTA Rising Star Award, it is her earlier television role that has sparked widespread recognition among viewers.
Many fans have only just realised that Mia McKenna-Bruce previously starred in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She played Penny Branning, the daughter of Jack Branning, portrayed by Scott Maslen, back in 2008. Although she left the soap the same year she joined, the character of Penny was reintroduced in 2024, now played by Kitty Castledine.
Social Media Reactions to the Revelation
The realisation has caused a stir on social media, with viewers expressing their astonishment. One person declared after watching a trailer for The Lady, "That's Penny from EastEnders!" Another chimed in, "Ah, it took me a while, but it is." A third viewer penned, "Recognised her face, just couldn't place where." These reactions highlight the surprise and delayed recognition that has captivated audiences tuning into the new ITV drama.
The Lady promises to be a gripping exploration of a real-life scandal, blending elements of crime, royalty, and personal downfall. With its premiere now aired, viewers are eagerly following the unfolding story of Jane Andrews, brought to life by an actress whose past role in EastEnders has added an unexpected layer of familiarity to the drama.
