Sarah Ferguson’s Program Stirs Tension Amid Looming Royal Drama
ITV is set to premiere “The Lady,” a four-part drama focused on Jane Andrews, the former dresser of Sarah Ferguson. The series, launching on Sunday, delves into Andrews’ life and the 2000 murder of her boyfriend, Thomas Cressman. This portrayal has raised concerns within ITV, which is reportedly “nervy” about its representation of Ferguson.
ITV’s Precautionary Measures
In anticipation of the show’s debut, ITV has retained lawyers to manage potential backlash over its content. A source indicated that the depiction of Ferguson is far from flattering, prompting the network to be cautious.
Concerns from the Cressman Family
Rick Cressman, brother of the murder victim, voiced his apprehension regarding the show’s blending of fact and fiction. He criticized the narrative approach, highlighting past dramatizations like “The Crown” that included fictional elements.
- Rick Cressman described the portrayal as possibly misleading.
- He clarified that the family did not approve the series willingly.
Background on Jane Andrews
Jane Andrews served as Ferguson’s dresser for nearly ten years before leaving in 1997. In 2000, she murdered Thomas Cressman in their west London home using a cricket bat and a knife. Andrews was sentenced to life in prison but was released on license in 2015, only to have it revoked in 2018 amid harassment allegations. She regained her freedom in 2019 due to insufficient evidence against her.
Production Insights
The series is produced by Left Bank, the same company responsible for “The Crown.” Mia McKenna-Bruce, who portrays Andrews, mentioned that the victim’s relatives were involved in the production, a claim Rick Cressman disputed.
Reflections on the Impact
This drama marks the tenth television portrayal of Thomas Cressman’s case the family has encountered. Rick Cressman emphasized that for him and his family, this is more than just a story; it is a painful chapter of their lives.
As the series approaches its release, the tensions surrounding Sarah Ferguson’s portrayal and the narrative choices underline the complexities of dramatizing real-life events.
