Filming gets underway this week on Joan, an ITVX drama inspired by the life of notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington; Sophie Turner stars. 
 

Anna Symon has written the 6 x 60’ series, that is produced by Snowed-In Productions and directed by Richard Laxton. Paul Frift produces; it is exec produced by Ruth Kenley-Letts Jenny Van Der Lande and Neil Blair.  

Shooting takes place firstly in Herne Bay then moves to Birmingham and other Midlands locations. 
 

Set against the backdrop of a brash, aspirational 1980s London, Joan is based on Hannington’s own memoirs, and recounts her meteoric rise from petty offender to expert jewel thief and criminal mastermind.  
 

Turner (pictured above) said at the time of the commissioning news: “I’m so excited to be bringing Joan Hannington’s fascinating life story to screen in Joan. She is one of the most notorious figures in the criminal underworld of London, earning her the nickname “The Godmother.”

“A woman who goes between her thriving and daring career as a jewel thief, all whilst trying to get her daughter back from social services, we see a mother in despair swept up in the exhilarating world of crime.” 
 

Writer Symon added: “From penniless single parent to accomplished diamond thief, Joan Hannington’s life story is a thrilling, rags-to-riches rollercoaster. I couldn’t be more excited to watch the stellar talent Sophie Turner step into Joan’s shoes.

“Ever since I first read Joan’s explosive memoir, I have been desperate to bring her story to screen and I am thrilled to be collaborating once again with the incredibly talented teams at Snowed-In Productions and ITV.  With the brilliant Richard Laxton at the helm, I cannot wait to get started.”
 

Sophie Turner image via Sophie Allnutt.