Here's the First Look at Sophie Turner as '80s Jewel Thief in New ITVX Drama, "Joan"

Image source: Susie Allnutt/ITVX

She wowed fans as Sansa Stark in "Game of Thrones" which saw her nominated for an Emmy, starred alongside Colin Firth and Toni Colette in the eight-part drama "The Staircase", and most recently took on a comedic role in Netflix's "Do Revenge". And we've now got our first look of Sophie Turner in the gritty upcoming six-part drama,"Joan", based on a true story of the notorious jewel thief, Joan Hannington.

On 18 May, ITV released the first photo of Turner as she takes on the lead role of Hannington with her eclectic sense of style and bleached blonde hair, channelling the '80s when the series is set. Alongside the star is actor Frank Dillane, who plays Boisie, a London antiques dealer. They are standing in front of an American-inspired diner, and a Ford Capri.

"I'm so excited to be bringing Joan Hannington's fascinating life story to screen in Joan," Turner previously said of the new casting. "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."

The new role sees Turner return to London, having been residing in the US with her husband, Joe Jonas, and their two children, Willa, 2, and their baby who was born in July 2022. With filming underway, here's everything we know about Turner's exciting new drama and the incredible true story behind it.

"Joan" Plot

Set in the 1980s, Joan is fiery young woman in her twenties. She's a loving and devoted mother to her four-year old daughter, Dottie, but trapped in an awful marriage to a violent thug. When he goes on the run, she seizes her chance to leave behind her old life and create something better for her daughter. Using her natural charm and her skill for impersonation, she's swept into the world of crime and eventually becomes one of London's most notorious female criminals.

Is "Joan" based on a true story?

"Joan" is based on the true story of Joan Hannington and her own personal memoirs. After leaving her first marriage, Joan weds professional thief Boisie Hannington and the pair become Britain's most successful diamond thieves. Millions of pounds passed through the pair's hands, but tragedy struck when Boisie was killed trying to torch a house for insurance money. The death caused Joan to leave behind her criminal life and go straight. She's since become famed for telling her compelling story, releasing her memoir, "I am What I am: The True Story of Britain's Most Notorious Jewel Thief" in 2004.

"Joan" Cast

Turner will play the lead role, whilst Dillane ("Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince"), will take on the role of Boisie. Kirsty J. Curtis ("Match Not Found"), plays Nancy, Joan's older sister and a salon worker, while Gershwyn Eustache Jnr ("I May Destroy You", "Top Boy") portrays Albie, an old acquaintance of Boisie who has started a new life in Spain with his wife Val, played by Laura Aikman ("Gavin & Stacey").

Elsewhere, other stars joining the series are Nick Blood ("Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D"), Jack Greenlees ("Harlots"), Alex Blake ("The Crown"), Caroline Faber ("Grantchester") and Dorothy Atkinson ("Call the Midwife").

"Joan" Release Date

ITV has announced that production is currently underway for the show, with filming starting in Herne Bay, Kent, before continuing onto areas around Birmingham and the Midlands. No release date has been announced, but it seems likely it could be scheduled for early 2024. It will air on ITV's new, free streaming service ITVX.