The Lady is ITV’s latest mini-series, telling the gripping story of former royal dresser Jane Andrews, who was convicted of murder in 2001.
The partly-fictionalised true-crime TV show will explore the life of Jane Andrews, Sarah Ferguson’s former dresser, who served the royal for nine years. In 2001, she was convicted of the murder of her boyfriend Thomas Cressman, and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.
Writer Debbie O’Malley explained in an interview with Radio Times that there was a "fascinating dynamic" between Andrews and Sarah Ferguson, describing them as "close as friends but with a difference in status that will never go away".
"You’ve got this girl who comes from ordinary beginnings and ends up mixing with the greatest in the land at Buckingham Palace - before things take a sad and upsetting turn," she said.
For more on the lead cast, as well as how they compare to the real people they play, keep scrolling.
The Lady cast
Below is a list of the actors and characters they play:
- Mia McKenna-Bruce as Jane Andrews
- Natalie Dormer as Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York
- Ed Speelers as Thomas Cressman
- Philip Glenister as DCI Keith Douglas
- Stephanie Street as DS Smart
- Claire Skinner as June Andrews
- Daniel Ryan as David Andrews
- Mark Stanley as Charles
- Laura Aikman as Francesca
- Ophelia Lovibond as Aleksandra
- Sean Teale as Luis Castillo
- Jack Alldridge as David Cressman
- Anastasia Hille as Barbara Cressman
- James Anderson as Rick Cressman
Mia McKenna-Bruce as Jane Andrews
Who is Jane Andrews?
Jane Andrews is a former royal dresser, who worked for the Duchess of York for nine years. She was convicted of the murder of her boyfriend in 2001, and was released from prison in 2019.
What else has Mia McKenna-Bruce been in?
The 28-year-old actress will be best known to millennials for having appeared in Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground. She recently won the BAFTA Rising Star Award for her starring role in 2023 coming-of-age film How To Have Sex, and has also starred in Persuasion and the new Netflix show Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials.
Natalie Dormer as the Duchess of York
Who is the Duchess of York?
Sarah Ferguson, formerly the Duchess of York, is the former wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, Duke of York. She was married to the royal from 1986 to 1996, and the couple have two children, Beatrice and Eugenie.
Dormer has declined from promoting the show due to Ferguson’s historic relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. She also donated her salary for the show to the National Association for People Abused in Childhood and the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse.
What else has Natalie Dormer been in?
Natalie Dormer, 44, is best known for playing Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones, and as Cressida in the last two parts of the Hunger Games franchise. She has also starred in the thriller In Darkness and sci-fi Patient Zero.
Ed Speelers as Thomas Cressman
Who is Thomas Cressman?
Thomas Cressman is Jane Andrews’ former partner. He was killed in 2000 after Andrews attacked him, and she was sentenced to life in prison for his murder.
What else has Ed Speelers been in?
The 37-year-old actor is known for playing Rhys Montrose in the Netflix series You. He has also appeared as Jimmy Kent in Downton Abbey, as well as roles in Outlander, Wolf Hall, and Irish Wish.
Philip Glenister as DCI Keith Douglas
Who is DCI Keith Douglas?
DCI Keith Douglas is the lead detective investigating the death of Thomas Cressman.
What else has Philip Glenister been in?
This isn’t the first time Glenister will be playing a police role, starring in the BBC series Life on Mars as DCI Gene Hunt. He has also had roles in Calendar Girls, The Other Boleyn Girl, and Ashes to Ashes.
Stephanie Street as DS Smart
Who is DS Smart?
DS Smart is DCI Douglas’ partner on the case of Cressman’s murder.
What else has Stephanie Street been in?
Stephanie Street has starred in true crime series Until I Kill You, drama Breathtaking and Channel 4 drama The Couple Next Door.
Claire Skinner as June Andrews
Who is June Andrews?
June Andrews is the mother of Jane Andrews.
What else has Claire Skinner been in?
Claire Skinner is best known for playing Sue Brockman in the BBC sitcom Outnumbered. She has also appeared in Riot Women, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Ted Lasso.
Daniel Ryan as David Andrews
Who is David Andrews?
David Andrews is the father of Jane Andrews.
What else has Daniel Ryan been in?
Daniel Ryan has starred in shows including Skins, Doctor Who, Death in Paradise and The Bay.
The Lady is available to watch on ITV1 and ITVX from 22 February.
