Sophie Turner has been transformed into Joan Hannington for new ITV drama Joan, which explores the life of Britain's most infamous jewel thief. The series is inspired by the real-life exploits of Joan Hannington, known as The Godmother in the criminal underworld of 1980s London. Hannington turned to diamond theft for the thrill and to raise funds to rescue her daughter, Kelly, from foster care.

The show will depict why Hannington lost her child, her first act of theft involving swallowing jewels, and her subsequent life of crime. Penned by Anna Symon, the series will air on ITV1 and ITVX, providing viewers with a glimpse into the harsh reality of 1980s London and the true story of Joan Harrington. Here's a rundown of who you can expect to see in the new ITV drama, how to tune in, and what to look forward to throughout the series.

The new ITV series, scheduled to premiere on Sunday, September 27, will leave viewers curious about the real Joan Hannington, reports Wales Online . Who was Joan Hannington? Born in Acton, Joan Hannington was the youngest of six children born to Irish parents Richard and Josephine O'Leary. She recounted living a life marred by poverty and abuse at the hands of her violent father.

His brutal treatment, which included nearly drowning her and her siblings in the bath, led her to flee home at the tender age of 13. At 17, she married convicted armed robber Ray Pavey in 1974. This ill-fated marriage resulted in her daughter Debbie - renamed as Kelly in the.