A compelling new ITV drama, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, delves into the harrowing real-life case of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in Britain.
This four-part series, premiering this week, not only sheds light on one of the most controversial legal cases in British history
but also features a deeply personal connection for one of its stars.
Nigel Havers, a beloved figure in British television, takes on the role of his own grandfather, Justice Cecil Havers, who presided over Ellis’ infamous trial.
The drama is based on A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story, a critically acclaimed biography by Carol Ann Lee.
It explores the tragic circumstances that led to Ellis’ execution in 1955 after she fatally shot her lover, David Blakely.
Ellis, a Welsh nightclub hostess, endured a turbulent and abusive relationship with Blakely. She alleged that he was responsible for her miscarriage after he violently struck her in the stomach. During the trial, she also claimed that her friend and confidant, Desmond Cussen, had provided her with the firearm and shown her how to use it.
Nigel Havers, widely known for his roles in Coronation Street, Chariots of Fire, and Empire of the Sun, takes on an emotionally significant role in the series. His grandfather, Justice Cecil Havers, was the High Court judge who oversaw Ellis’ trial at the Old Bailey on June 20, 1955. Despite the legal system’s mandatory death sentence for capital murder at the time, Justice Havers was profoundly disturbed by the outcome. He actively appealed for clemency on Ellis’ behalf, writing to the Home Secretary in an effort to save her from execution. Unfortunately, his plea was ignored, and Ellis was hanged just two weeks after her sentencing.
Justice Havers’ compassion extended beyond the trial. Following Ellis’ execution, he continued to support her grieving family, making annual financial contributions to assist in the care of her children, Andy and Georgina. His grandson, Nigel Havers, was eager to take on the role, recognizing the significance of his grandfather’s actions and the weight of the story being told.
Executive producer Kate Bartlett shared that the production team initially wondered whether Havers would accept the role, given its deeply personal nature. However, he was enthusiastic from the start. “We had lots of conversations about whether he would take on the role, and he jumped at the opportunity. It was an extraordinary moment,” Bartlett explained.
Director Lee Haven Jones also highlighted how Havers’ personal connection added authenticity to the portrayal. He incorporated small but meaningful details about his grandfather’s habits, such as his constant note-taking and his love for horse racing. While not all of these elements made it into the final production, they contributed to the richness of the character’s depiction. Havers himself described the experience as incredibly moving, particularly when donning his grandfather’s traditional court attire and reciting his exact words from the original trial.
“Wearing the exact courtroom attire my grandfather would have worn and speaking the same words he did in that fateful trial was a powerful experience,” Havers reflected. “I truly believe he did everything in his power to help Ruth Ellis, but his hands were tied by the legal system of the time. I hope I have done him justice in this portrayal.”
Justice Cecil Havers, who retired in 1967 and passed away in 1977, remains remembered not only for his distinguished legal career but also for his empathy and integrity. Nigel Havers has spoken fondly of his grandfather, recalling him as a kind-hearted man who carried deep sympathy for Ellis and her tragic fate.
Ruth Ellis’ case continues to be a subject of legal and social debate. Her execution became a turning point in British history, fueling discussions about gender bias and class disparity in the justice system. The case contributed to the eventual abolition of the death penalty in the UK a decade later and played a role in the establishment of diminished responsibility as a defense in criminal trials.
Alongside Nigel Havers, the series features a stellar cast, including Toby Jones as Ellis’ solicitor, John Bickford, Laurie Davidson as David Blakely, and Mark Stanley as Desmond Cussen. With its powerful storytelling and historically significant themes, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story promises to be a thought-provoking and emotional watch for audiences, offering a poignant reflection on a case that changed British legal history forever.
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