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.
- Created by
- Kelly Jones
Seasons and episodes
1 season · 4 episodes
S1 E1Episode 1
Feb 17, 202548 min
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.
S1 E2Episode 2
Feb 17, 202546 min
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.
S1 E3Episode 3
Feb 24, 202547 min
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 fa
S1 E4Episode 4
Mar 5, 202545 min
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.
Starring
Lucy Boynton
Ruth Ellis
Toby Jones
John Bickford
Laurie Davidson
David Blakely
Mark Stanley
Desmond Cussen
Arthur Darvill
Victor Mishcon
Bessie Carter
Carole Findlater
Joe Armstrong
DCI Davies
Nigel Havers
Cecil Havers
Toby Stephens
Melford Stevenson
Juliet Stevenson
Dr. Charity Taylor
Ed Sayer
Anthony Findlater
- T
Tony Wadham
Arthur Neilson
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I watch A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?
- A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is streaming on BritBox, Britbox Apple TV channel. Availability is refreshed weekly.
- How many seasons of A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story are there?
- A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story has 1 season and 4 episodes. Status: Ended.
- Will there be a new season of A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?
- A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story has ended; no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on March 5, 2025.
- Who stars in A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?
- A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story stars Lucy Boynton, Toby Jones, Laurie Davidson, Mark Stanley, Arthur Darvill.
