Unbelievable true story behind new six-part drama Joan about unexpected criminal mastermind

A brand new crime drama hits screens this weekend, and it’s based on an unbelievable true story about an unexpected criminal mastermind – a housewife.

Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner has traded Westeros for 1980s London for ITV’s new six-part series Joan.

She plays the title role of Joan Hannington, who became one of Britain’s most successful jewel thieves, operating at the heart of Britain's criminal underworld.

Who is Joan Hannington?

The real-life Joan – who was the youngest of six kids – left school at 13 with no qualifications.

At 17, she married first husband Ray Pavey, a convicted armed robber who was 10 years older, before giving birth to daughter Debbie seven months later.

The couple eventually split after Ray landed himself in jail, while Debbie was placed into foster care.

In the ITV drama, we see the ‘devoted young mother’ desperate to escape a disastrous relationship and when her partner – named Gary in the show – goes on the run, she grabs the chance to start a new life with her six-year-old daughter.

Sophie Turner plays the titular Joan (ITV)

Every heist and stolen diamond is driven by her singular purpose: to create a secure future for her daughter.

A synopsis from ITV explains: “Delving deeper into the criminal underworld, Joan meets Boisie, an enigmatic antiques dealer whose allure introduces her to new levels of danger and passion.”

Where is Joan Hannington now?

Now 68, the real Joan is living a much quieter life – reportedly keen to stress she’s very much retired these days.

She was actually involved in the new series, having worked in close consultation with screenwriter Anna Symon, who also used her memoir, I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief, as inspiration to create the drama.

The real life Joan Hannington was also involved in the show (ITV)

“I was instantly captivated by the character of Joan. She is such a complex and extraordinary woman - both vulnerable and strong - and she made some terrible choices unfortunately, which a lot of people can relate to,” Anna told press at the launch of the series.

“I just wanted to read more and more about her. There’s a line very early in the book when she says diamonds were ‘my life, my buzz, my art’ and I just thought, who is this woman? Why haven’t I heard her story and why hasn't it been told on television?”

Where can I watch Joan?

Joan launches on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday 29 September at 9pm, with the second episode airing on Monday 30 September at 9pm.

The six-part series will also be available to watch in full via ITVX after the first instalment has aired.