Joan: Sophie Turner to star in new ITV drama based on true story of Joan Hannington

Sophie Turner is to star in brand new ITV drama Joan.

Inspired by the true story of notorious jewel thief, Joan Hannington, the six-part series will premiere on ITV’s new, free streaming service ITVX.

Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, The Staircase) will star the leading role.

A teaser shares: “We’re first introduced to Joan in her twenties, a fiery, uncompromising, and intoxicating character, who is not without her own deep scars and vulnerability, as a doting and loving young mother to 4-year-old Debbie. She’s in a disastrous marriage to a violent thug, and when he goes on the run, Joan seizes the moment to leave her old life.

“Inspired by her desire to care for Debbie and create a secure home for her daughter, Joan makes some heart-breaking decisions as she sets her sights on a better life.

“Making full use of her sharp intelligence, charm, and her talent for impersonation and performance, we follow the twists and turns in Joan’s life, the ups and downs, the heartache and the joy, which makes her story a compelling television drama.”

Turner said: “I’m so excited to be bringing Joan Hannington’s fascinating life story to screen in Joan. She is one of the most notorious figures in the criminal underworld of London, earning her the nickname ‘The Godmother.’

“A woman who goes between her thriving and daring career as a jewel thief, all whilst trying to get her daughter back from social services, we see a mother in despair swept up in the exhilarating world of crime.”

Sophie Turner stars alongside Frank Dillane (The Essex Serpent, Fear the Walking Dead, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince), as Boisie, a London antique dealer. Kirsty J. Curtis (Match Not Found, Harlots), plays Nancy, Joan’s older sister and a salon worker while Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (I May Destroy You, Top Boy) portrays Albie, an old acquaintance of Boisie who’s made a new life in Spain with his wife Val, played by Laura Aikman (The Split, Gavin & Stacey).

Other actors joining the series include Nick Blood (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Safe), Jack Greenlees (Strike, Harlots), Alex Blake (The Crown, Chernobyl), Caroline Faber (Grantchester, Berlin Station) and Dorothy Atkinson(The Gold, Stonehouse).

Created for television by acclaimed screenwriter Anna Symon (Mrs Wilson, The Essex Serpent, Deep Water) from Joan’s memoirs, Joan is the true story of her meteoric rise from petty offender to highly talented diamond thief and criminal mastermind. Anna met with Joan Hannington whilst writing the series, and the drama will be filmed in London in the spring of 2023.

ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill said: “Joan’s story is incredible, making a success of life when the stakes seem stacked against her, by not playing by the rules. Anna’s scripts are brilliant and a perfect fit for ITVX and I can’t wait to see Sophie Turner step into Joan’s shoes. Set in the 80’s with Richard Laxton directing and Ruth Kenley-Letts and Snowed-In producing, this is a great story with a great team bringing it to screen.”