How To Have Sex’s breakout star Mia McKenna-Bruce is leading the cast of a real-life period drama for ITV, also including Outlander’s Ed Speelers and Game of Thrones’ Natalie Dormer.
From the producers of The Crown, The Lady follows the rise and fall of Jane Andrews, a working-class young woman who worked as Sarah Ferguson’s dresser at Buckingham Palace and was later accused of murder.
Jane secured a place amongst the upper-classes in the Duchess of York’s office but lost her job after nine years of service. After falling from grace, Jane met charismatic businessman Thomas Cressman (Speelers) and fell in love.
As cracks started showing in their relationship, disastrous consequences followed.
Ferguson is played by Dormer, with cast rounded out by Philip Glenister, Claire Skinner, Laura Aikman, Ophelia Lovibond, Mark Stanley, Daniel Ryan and Sean Teale.
ITV
ITV
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First-look images show McKenna-Bruce as Jane papped together with Sarah Ferguson as they wear a similar red skirt suit.
A second still is a far cry from Jane’s previous glamorous life as she’s hunted down by photographers in the aftermath of a shocking murder. Finally, Speelers can be seen in the role of Cressman as the couple enjoy a getaway by the sea.
ITV
ITV
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McKenna-Bruce will next be seen as a different Lady in Netflix whodunit Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, inspired by the author’s 1929 novel, The Seven Dials Mystery.
She stars as Lady Bundle Brent alongside Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Caterham and Martin Freeman as Superintendent Battle. Queen Charlotte star Corey Mylchreest plays Gerry Wade, while Killing Eve’s Edward Bluemel plays Jimmy Thesiger.
The murder mystery is written by Chris Chibnall, who was showrunner of Doctor Who between 2018 and 2022, with Jodie Whittaker taking on the role of the Doctor.
The Lady will air on ITV.
Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials premieres on Netflix on 15 January 2026.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).