Series

Watch A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (2025) Online

6.512 votes2025TV-MA45mEndedDramaCrime

Synopsis

A 1950s true crime drama about Ruth Ellis, the last woman in Britain to be hanged. This startling story reveals hidden truths about Ruth's murder of her lover, the legal case surrounding it and those who were also complicit.

Episodes

Miniseries

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1. Episode 1Now viewing2025-02-1748m10.0Ruth Ellis is arrested for killing her lover, David, with a gun in her hand. While the police see an open-and-shut case, her solicitor, John Bickford, suspects there’s more to the story.
2. Episode 22025-02-1746m9.0At the Old Bailey, Ruth faces judgment shaped by British class and legal biases. Bickford fears she’s withholding vital details that could save her. Outside the courtroom, we uncover her sacrifices for David and a toxic love triangle.
3. Episode 32025-02-2447m9.0Found guilty and sentenced to hang, Ruth reflects on her relationship, lost dreams, and pregnancy, as her lawyer pressures the Home Office for a reprieve. Desperate and reliant on Desmond for her son, Ruth faces the weight of her looming fate.
4. Episode 42025-03-0545m9.0The day before Ruth's execution, she finally agrees to tell her new lawyer, Victor Mishcon, the full story, the whole truth. Mishcon has twenty-four hours to save her life.

Cast

Top Billed Cast

Lucy Boynton
Ruth Ellis
Toby Jones
John Bickford
Laurie Davidson
David Blakely
Mark Stanley
Desmond Cussen
Arthur Darvill
Victor Mishcon
Bessie Carter
Carole Findlater
Joe Armstrong
DCI Davies
Nigel Havers
Cecil Havers
Toby Stephens
Melford Stevenson
Juliet Stevenson
Dr. Charity Taylor
Ed Sayer
Anthony Findlater
No photo
Tony Wadham
Arthur Neilson

Availability

Where To Watch Legally

Stream

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story available to watch online?

Yes - see the "Where to watch legally" section on this page for streaming, rental and purchase options.

How many seasons does A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story have?

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story has 1 season and 4 episodes.

When did A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story first air?

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story first aired in 2025.

Is A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story still running?

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story's status on TMDB is: Ended.

What genre is A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is classified as Drama, Crime.