The latest episode of A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story took viewers on an emotional journey, depicting the sorrowful tale of Britain’s last woman to be executed.
Based on Carol Ann Lee’s book, the drama tells the story of Ruth Ellis, portrayed by Lucy Boynton, who in 1955 was arrested for the shooting of David Blakely (played by Laurie Davidson).
As ITV audiences tuned in, they witnessed a gut-wrenching trial with multiple witnesses recounting their observations of Ruth shooting David. Hope sprang briefly at the possibility of a manslaughter conviction, but the jury’s final decision was one of a graver nature.
Ruth was found guilty of murder, and upon being asked if she had any final words before the sentence of death, she chose to remain silent, awaiting the judge’s solemn pronouncement, reports
ITV A Cruel Love: Ruth Ellis’ one-word remark after guilty murder charge (Image: ITV)
The judge declared: “Ruth Ellis, the jury has convicted you of murder. In my view, it was the only verdict possible.
“You will be taken hence to the prison in which you were last confined and, from there, your place of execution, where you will suffer death by hanging. Thereafter, your body buried within the precincts of the prison and may the lord have mercy on your soul, amen.”
Resigned to her fate, Ruth’s response was simple as she replied: “Thanks.”
Ruth was found guilty of murder in the second episode of the ITV drama (Image: ITV)
Following the powerful scene, viewers swiftly expressed their emotions on Twitter, resonating deeply with the devastating narrative of Ruth Ellis.
One person on Twitter said: “The #RuthEllis story is so tragic and sad.”Another added: “Excellent, actors were absolutely fantastic, a very true but sad story.”
Someone else wrote: “It’s a hard watch but one that needs seeing #ACruelLove.” While one viewer tweeted: “Caught up with #ACruelLove, one of the best adaptations of the #RuthEllis story I’ve seen. Lucy Boynton is fantastic.”
Ruth was told she would be hanged for her crime (Image: ITV)
The synopsis for the upcoming episode teases the increasing tension faced by Ruth.
It reads: “Found guilty and condemned to hang in three weeks’ time, Ruth initially accepts her fate, but becomes more desperate as her time draws near, and her lawyer puts pressure on the Home Office for a reprieve.”
All episodes of Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story are on ITVX with episodes airing weekly at 9pm every Wednesday