Sophie Turner will play diamond chief Joan Hannington in new ITV drama

ICONINSIDER — Sophie Turner has been cast as Joan Hannington in new ITVX drama ‘Joan’.
The ‘Game of Thrones’ star will take on the lead role in the upcoming six-part series inspired by the true story of the UK’s most notorious jewel thief.
She said in a statement: “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.”
The show – which is set in 1980s London and directed by Richard Laxton from Anna Symon’s script – will launch on ITV’s new streaming service.
Symon has adapted Joan’s memoirs to tell the story of her “meteoric rise from petty offender to highly talented diamond thief and criminal mastermind”.
In a press release, ITV revealed that the writer met with Joan herself whilst penning the drama, while the movie is set to be filmed on location in London in spring 2023.
The broadcaster added: “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.”
ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, commented: “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 80s 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.”
Anna Symon added: “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.
“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.”

---