ITV commissions a new drama, "Joan", which will be distributed by All3Media

ITV Studio’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill has commissioned "Joan." Sophie Turner will take the lead in the six-part drama based on the true story of notorious jewel thief, Joan Hannington. The drama will be filmed in London in the spring of 2023 and will premier on ITVX. “I’m so excited to be bringing Joan Hannington’s fascinating life story to screen in Joan," Turner said. "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.” 

"Joan" will be executive produced by Ruth Kenley-Letts, CEO of Snowed-In Productions, Jenny Van Der Lande Creative Director of Snowed-In and Neil Blair Chairman of Snowed-In and directed by BAFTA award winning Director, Richard Laxton. Paul Frift will be tasked with producing the drama, created for television by acclaimed screenwriter Anna Symon from Joan’s memoirs. To put the project together, Symon met with Joan Hannington whilst writing the series. All3Media International will take on the international distribution tasks of the drama. The series is produced in association with All3Media International. “We’re thrilled to be bringing Joan Hannington’s extraordinary and compelling life to the screen.  Anna’s brilliant scripts are both heart-breaking and complex capturing Joan’s vivid and colourful life so perfectly," Ruth Kenley-Letts, Jenny Van Der Lande and Neil Blair said. "We couldn’t be more excited to have the wonderful Sophie Turner playing the title role.  And in Richard Laxton we have the perfect director to tell Joan’s story.”  

The title initially introduces Joan in her twenties, amother to 4-year-old Debbie.  In a disastrous marriage, Joan seizes the moment to leave her old life when her husband is taken away. Inspired by her desire to care for Debbie and create a secure home for her daughter, shemakes some hard decisions as she sets her sights on a better life. The story is set in the 1980s London.

“From penniless single parent to accomplished diamond thief, Joan Hannington’s life story is a thrilling, rags-to-riches rollercoaster. I couldn’t be more excited to watch the stellar talent Sophie Turner step into Joan's shoes," Anna Symon said. "Ever since I first read Joan’s explosive memoir, I have been desperate to bring her story to screen and I am thrilled to be collaborating once again with the incredibly talented teams at Snowed-In Productions and ITV. With the brilliant Richard Laxton at the helm, I cannot wait to get started.”