Joan Hannington, once one of Britain's most notorious jewel thieves, has returned to the spotlight with the release of the ITV drama Joan, starring Sophie Turner. This six-part series, airing in late 2024, delves into Hannington's tumultuous life in the 1980s, when she transformed from a young mother fleeing an abusive marriage into a master jewel thief. The show captures her journey through London's criminal underworld, showcasing both the emotional and exhilarating aspects of her life of crime.
Hannington's criminal career was fueled by her desire to regain custody of her daughter, Debbie (called Kelly in the series), who was placed in foster care. Known as "The Godmother" by some in criminal circles, Hannington's sharp intellect and daring nature helped her execute high-profile diamond heists, including one where she famously swallowed stolen gems to hide them from authorities. By the height of her criminal activity, she had amassed a fortune in jewels, hidden in an unexpected place—her garden biscuit tin.
Although Hannington was only caught twice during her criminal career, she eventually retired and has lived a quiet life for several decades. Now 68, she resides on the South Coast of England with her family and two dogs. Reflecting on the series, Hannington has expressed her amazement at seeing her life portrayed on screen and praised Sophie Turner's performance, noting the surreal experience of watching her story unfold again after so many years.
Joan brings renewed interest in Hannington’s life, blending thrilling crime scenes with deeper emotional themes about survival, motherhood, and reinvention.
Boisie and Joan Hannington as seen in ITV's new crime drama Joan (Image: yahoo/ITV)
In terms of grand comebacks, Sophie Turner’s choice of an ITV drama to return to television might seem surprising. After all, Turner shot to international fame with Game of Thrones, one of the most iconic shows of the 21st century, and later married pop star Joe Jonas. Since the Thrones finale in 2019, she had kept a low profile, making only brief appearances in films like Do Revenge (2022). Yet her return to TV with Joan is a powerful statement. This gritty series brings to life the untold story of Joan Hannington, a 1980s London housewife who became a master diamond thief.
Turner steps into the role of Joan, introducing viewers to a woman in crisis—fleeing from her violent gangster boyfriend and forced to leave her young daughter in foster care. Hannington’s incredible life, including her criminal exploits and eventual redemption, offers a rich narrative for Turner to sink her teeth into. It’s a bold role, marking a stark contrast from the medieval fantasy world that made her famous, but it perfectly suits the complex emotions and gritty determination of Hannington’s story.
Hannington’s criminal career involved stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds in jewels, which she later chronicled in her memoir. This compelling story, long overlooked by filmmakers, offers the perfect material for a limited series, making Joan a compelling return for Turner and a fascinating look into one of Britain’s most notorious thieves.
(Woman and Home Magazine)(Express.co.uk)


Criminal and jewel thief Joan Hannington (Image: PA)