DCI Davies was the detective in charge of solving the Ruth Ellis case, in which nightclub manager Ruth Ellis murdered her ex-lover David Blakely. The crime, which occurred on Easter Sunday 1955 in London, shocked Britain and led to Ruth’s execution. Ruth had been subjected to violent abuse by Blakely, including a miscarriage caused by a beating just three months before the murder. Ruth found Blakely and shot him six times with her revolver, killing him.
During the investigation, Ruth made no effort to deny her crime. At her trial on June 20, 1953, she admitted to intending to kill Blakely when she shot him. The jury reached a verdict in just 20 minutes, and Ruth was sentenced to death. Despite finding no signs of mental illness, it was revealed that Ruth had a history of abuse, beginning with her father during her childhood. She had been forced to leave school at a young age, work as a nude model and escort, and had a child at 18.
Ruth Ellis was executed on July 13, 1955, becoming the last woman to be hanged in the UK. Her case sparked public outcry against capital punishment. In the upcoming ITV drama, “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story,” DCI Davies will be portrayed by Joe Armstrong, known for his roles in other ITV dramas such as “Happy Valley” and “Gentleman Jack.” Ruth Ellis will be played by Lucy Boynton, with Toby Jones also joining the cast.
The dramatization will explore the events leading up to Ruth’s crime, her tumultuous relationship with David Blakely, and the shocking trial that followed. It will delve into Ruth’s struggles with abuse and the societal factors that contributed to her tragic fate. The story of Ruth Ellis continues to captivate audiences and shed light on the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of violence.
The legacy of Ruth Ellis and the impact of her case on British society will be examined in the new drama, which aims to provide a nuanced portrayal of the events surrounding her crime and execution. Through the lens of DCI Davies’ investigation, viewers will be taken on a journey through the darkest moments of Ruth’s life, culminating in a controversial and heartbreaking end. The drama promises to shed light on a pivotal moment in British history and the lasting effects of Ruth Ellis’ actions on the criminal justice system.
