True story of Sarah Ferguson's dresser Jane Andrews' downfall - Royal aide to murderer
A young working-class girl became Sarah Ferguson's dresser at Buckingham Palace, but it ended in deathThe Lady, arriving on ITV in 2026, turns the spotlight on royal aide Jane Andrews and the duchess she once served – Sarah Ferguson – as their lives collide in a story that still shocks the nation.
ITV’s newly unveiled 2026 drama slate includes a first look at Mia McKenna-Bruce as Jane. Jane Andrews was a Buckingham Palace dresser whose world shifted dramatically after her time working closely with the Duchess of York. What began as a coveted role inside royal circles spiralled into a life marked by ambition, pressure and, ultimately, tragedy.
Through its examination of class, identity and the intense expectations surrounding those who serve and those who are served, the series charts Jane’s extraordinary rise within the royal household – and the devastating downfall that followed.
Here’s everything to expect from The Lady on ITV, including plot details, cast, start date and all the latest news.
Is The Lady on ITV a true story? What happened with Sarah Ferguson’s aide Jane Andrews?
The Lady centres on the true story of Jane Andrews. She was a young working-class girl who became Sarah Ferguson‘s dresser at Buckingham Palace – much to the astonishment of her friends and family.
Moving amongst the highest social circles in Britain, Jane managed to secure a place amongst the upper-classes in the Duchess of York’s office. However, she lost the prestigious job after nine years of service.
The ITV synopsis tells us: “Still reeling from her fall from grace, Jane went on to meet charismatic businessman Thomas Cressman and fell deeply in love. But soon, cracks began to develop in the romance Jane had pinned all her hopes on, with disastrous consequences.”
In fact, Jane Andrews killed Thomas Cressman after a heated argument in 2000. He called police to say that “somebody is going to get hurt”, but the police did not visit his flat. Later that night, Jane hit him with a cricket bat and then stabbed him with a knife while he was sleeping.
Police arrested Jane Andrews and charged her with Cressman’s murder, but not before she attempted suicide. She was ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years in 2001 after being convicted at the Old Bailey. However the life term was then reduced on appeal, down to a minimum of 12 years.
Jane was moved to an open prison, but absconded in 2009 but was returned. She was released from prison in 2015 after serving 14 years.
She claimed she was acting in self-defence when she struck Mr Cressman with a cricket bat.
The Lady is based on the true events surrounding Jane Andrews. Payback’s Debbie O’Malley wrote the partly fictionalised drama, while Passenger’s Lee Haven Jones directed.
When’s the start date of The Lady in ITV?
The Lady is due to air on ITV and STV, and be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player next year.
Although we don’t have a confirmed start date, we know it’s in the winter schedules. So expect it to land before Easter.
How many episodes is the Jane Andrews drama?
From award‑winning producer Left Bank Pictures (the company behind The Crown), The Lady will be four episodes.
Each episode will be one hour long.
Who is in the cast?
Mia McKenna-Bruce leads ITV’s The Lady as Jane Andrews, stepping into the complicated world of Sarah Ferguson’s former royal aide whose life took a dark and unexpected turn. The BAFTA Rising Star winner, now 28, has been on screen since childhood.
Her sister, Anya McKenna-Bruce, is also forging a strong acting path, with roles in Cleaning Up, Adult Material, Amandaland and The Hack.
Natalie Dormer portrays Sarah Ferguson, offering a glimpse into the world Jane once inhabited as the duchess’s dresser. Dormer is, of course, beloved for her turns as Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones and Anne Boleyn in The Tudors. Her credits span Silk, The Fades, Elementary and Picnic at Hanging Rock, as well as more recent projects like Penny Dreadful: City of Angels and White Lines.
Ed Speleers takes on the role of Thomas Cressman, whose death sits at the heart of the story. Viewers will recognise him from Downton Abbey, Echo Beach and Wolf Hall.
Read more: Statement issued on Sarah Ferguson’s future home without Andrew as she’s set to leave Royal Lodge
The Lady will air on ITV in 2026.
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