ITV Confirms Premiere Date for Royal Crime Drama ‘The Lady’
London, 14 February 2026 – ITV has officially announced the broadcast schedule for its highly anticipated true crime drama, The Lady. The four-part series, which explores the dramatic rise and fall of Jane Andrews, the former dresser to the Duchess of York, is set to anchor the broadcaster’s late-February schedule. Starring BAFTA-winner Mia McKenna-Bruce, the production delves into the “rags-to-riches” story that ultimately ended in a high-profile murder conviction.
Broadcast Schedule and Streaming
The series will be stripped across two consecutive weeks on ITV1. Viewers can also stream the episodes on ITVX. For international audiences, the drama is scheduled to debut on BritBox and Australian streaming services shortly after the UK premiere.
- Episodes 1 & 2: Sunday 22 February and Monday 23 February 2025 at 9:00pm.
- Episodes 3 & 4: Scheduled for the following Sunday and Monday.
- International: Premieres on BritBox on 18 March 2026.
The True Story Behind the Drama
The Lady follows the life of Jane Andrews, a young woman from a working-class background who successfully applied for a role as a royal aide. Andrews spent nine years as a trusted member of Sarah Ferguson’s inner circle before her life took a dark turn. The drama focuses on the psychological breakdown and the subsequent events of 2000, when Andrews was convicted of the murder of her partner, Tom Cressman. Natalie Dormer stars alongside McKenna-Bruce, portraying Sarah, Duchess of York.
Key Production Details
The following table outlines the essential facts regarding the upcoming release:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actress | Mia McKenna-Bruce (as Jane Andrews) |
| Supporting Cast | Natalie Dormer (as Sarah Ferguson) |
| Format | Four-part limited series |
| UK Premiere Date | 22 February 2026 |
| Channel | ITV1 and ITVX |
| Genre | True Crime / Biographical Drama |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ‘The Lady’ based on a true story?
Yes. The series is a dramatised account of the real life of Jane Andrews, who served as a personal dresser to the Duchess of York for nearly a decade before being convicted of murder in 2001.
Who is in the cast of the ITV drama?
Mia McKenna-Bruce, known for her breakout role in How to Have Sex, plays the lead role of Jane Andrews. Natalie Dormer, famous for Game of Thrones, portrays Sarah Ferguson.
How many episodes are there?
The Lady is a four-part miniseries. ITV will air the first two episodes on 22 and 23 February, with the concluding chapters following the week after.