Sophie Turner takes on the role of infamous jewel thief Joan Hannington in a new six-part crime drama airing on ITV. The series, titled JOAN, delves into the real-life events of Joan’s rise to notoriety in 1980s London as ‘The Godmother’ of the criminal underworld. Based on Joan’s own memoir ‘I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief’, the show promises to captivate viewers with its portrayal of Joan’s transformation from a struggling young mother to a master thief.
Joan Hannington’s Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
Born in 1957 to a working-class Irish family in London, Joan faced a challenging childhood marked by abuse and a lack of education. Married at 17 to an older convicted armed robber, Joan found herself in a tumultuous relationship that ultimately led to the separation from her daughter. Determined to create a better life for herself and her child, Joan turned to a life of crime to support her family.
Joan’s Criminal Exploits and Time in Prison
As Joan delved deeper into the world of crime, she honed her skills as a jewel thief, resorting to elaborate schemes and daring thefts to secure her ill-gotten gains. Known for her ability to swallow diamonds and hide rings in her mouth, Joan became a master of deception and manipulation. However, her criminal activities eventually caught up with her, leading to two separate stints in prison.
The first time Joan found herself behind bars was at a young age, after stealing a car in a bid to visit her daughter. This initial brush with the law landed her in Holloway women’s prison, setting the stage for her future criminal endeavors. Her second incarceration came at 24, when she was sentenced to 30 months in Holloway for using a stolen chequebook. Despite these setbacks, Joan’s criminal career continued to thrive until a tragic event changed the course of her life.
Joan’s Transformation and Famous Son
Following the death of her husband Boisie in an arson attack, Joan made the decision to leave her life of crime behind. With a young son to care for, she sold Boisie’s antique shops and embarked on a new venture renovating council houses in Islington. Her son Benny, known by his stage name Benny Banks, went on to forge a successful career in music, gaining recognition for his storytelling prowess and heartfelt lyrics.
Joan’s Current Whereabouts and Involvement in the ITV Drama
Now residing by the seaside with her two dogs, Joan has embraced a quieter life away from the criminal world. She played a pivotal role in the creation of the ITV drama series JOAN, working closely with creator Anna Symon to bring her story to the screen. Viewers can tune in to the first episode of the gripping true crime drama on Sunday at 9pm, with subsequent episodes airing on Monday at the same time. For those who miss the initial broadcast, all six episodes will be available on ITVX for viewing convenience.
Conclusion
Joan Hannington’s tumultuous journey from a troubled past to a reformed present is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through her experiences as a jewel thief and subsequent transformation into a law-abiding citizen, Joan’s story serves as a compelling narrative of redemption and second chances. As viewers immerse themselves in the world of JOAN, they will witness the highs and lows of Joan’s life unfold on screen, shedding light on the complexities of her character and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
