A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is a four-part British historical drama series for ITV, starring Lucy Boynton as Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain.
Toby Jones co-stars as her solicitor, John Bickford. The series explores the true story of Ellis, who was convicted of murder after fatally shooting her abusive lover.
The show aims for historical accuracy, with courtroom scenes directly adapted from original trial transcripts. It was released in the United States on BritBox on February 17, 2025.
Where Was A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story Filmed?
A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story was filmed in various locations across London, Kent, and Dorset, with key historical locations used to add authenticity to the series.
Troubadour Meridian Water Studios, London
Studio filming for the series took place at Troubadour Meridian Water Studios in September 2023. This modern production facility provided controlled environments for indoor scenes.
Magdala Tavern & Hampstead Magistrates’ Court, London
- Magdala Tavern – This pub, where Ellis shot her lover David Blakely in 1955, was used for on-location filming.
- Hampstead Magistrates’ Court – The actual court where Ellis was arraigned, adding historical realism to the series.
Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent
The Historic Dockyard Chatham was used to represent the entrance of HMP Holloway, where Ellis was imprisoned before her execution. The dockyard’s historic buildings have been used in many period dramas.
Dorchester Prison, Dorset
To depict the interiors of HMP Holloway, the production used Dorchester Prison in Dorset, which provided an authentic setting for prison sequences.
University College School, Hampstead
While some Old Bailey scenes were filmed at the actual court, many interior scenes were recreated at University College School in Hampstead. The school’s grand architecture closely resembles the real courtroom.
When Did the Filming of A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story Take Place?
- Studio filming – Took place in September 2023 at Troubadour Meridian Water Studios.
- Location filming – Conducted in October 2023, using real historical sites across London, Kent, and Dorset.
Official Trailer
FAQs-
Q: Where was A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story filmed?
A: The series was filmed in London (Hampstead, Magdala Tavern, University College School), Kent (Historic Dockyard Chatham), and Dorset (Dorchester Prison).
Q: Was A Cruel Love filmed at the real Magdala Tavern?
A: Yes, scenes at the Magdala Tavern, where Ruth Ellis shot David Blakely, were filmed at the real location.
Q: Where were the prison scenes filmed?
A: The Historic Dockyard Chatham represented the entrance to HMP Holloway, while Dorchester Prison stood in for its interiors.
Q: Did the series film at the real Old Bailey?
A: Some scenes were filmed inside the Old Bailey, but most courtroom interiors were recreated at University College School in Hampstead.
Q: When was A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story released?
A: The series premiered in the United States on BritBox on February 17, 2025.