ITV's new drama Joan stars actress Sophie Turner as a real life jewel thief who was nicknamed 'The Godmother' after many active years as a criminal - and the start date is coming soon.

The latest adaptation of a true crime lands on ITV in the prestigious Sunday 9pm slot. Like BBC One's Gold before it, the drama puts a palatable glossy spin on a rather murky time in history.

Here's everything you need to know about Joan on ITV, including the true story behind it, the cast, plot and start date.

What's the plot of Joan on ITV?

ITV's Joan stars Sophie Turner as the complex criminal Joan Hannington, a notorious jewel thief.

Set against the "vibrant and aspirational backdrop of 1980s London", this series unravels the multifaceted life of Joan - a mother, lover, liar, and thief.

A devoted young mother, Joan was desperate to escape a disastrous relationship. When her partner Gary subsequently goes on the run, she seizes the chance to start a new life with her six-year-old daughter, Kelly.

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."

Joan's intelligence, charm, and talent for impersonation means she embarks on a high-stakes criminal career.

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

Is Joan based on a true story?

ITV's Joan is inspired by the real life jewel thief Joan Hannington, and certain events from her life.

Joan - aka 'the Godmother' - was once one of the most notorious figures in London's criminal underworld.

After a rough, loveless childhood and a disastrous first marriage, during which she was first introduced to a life of crime, Joan went on to marry professional bad boy Boisie. Together, they became some of Britain's most successful diamond thieves.

Millions of pounds passed through their hands as they became members of the criminal elite. But tragedy was soon to strike at the heart of their outrageous lifestyle...

Joan Hannington is still alive, and said to live beside the sea with her two dogs. She worked closely with screenwriter Anna Symon on the script for Joan. The series is based on Joan's autobiography I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain's Most Notorious Jewel Thief.

How many episodes is Joan on ITV? When is the start date?

Joan is a six part series on ITV1 and ITVX.

All episodes will be available to watch on ITVX after episode one has aired on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 9pm.

The second episode will air on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 9pm on ITV1.

Who is in the cast of Joan on ITV?

Actress Sophie Turner portrays Joan Hannington in the cast of Joan. Of course, Game of Thrones will know that Sophie rise to fame playing Sansa Stark in the HBO drama.

She's also known for playing Jean Grey in the 2016 film X-Men: Apocalypse, and 2019 sequel X-Men: Dark Phoenix.

In 2022, Sophie portrayed Margaret Ratliff in The Staircase. She's also famous for being formerly known as the wife of singer Joe Jonas.

Frank Dillane - coincidentally the son of GOT star Stephen Dillane - portrays Boisie in the ITV drama. He's probably best known for playing Nick Clark in Fear the Walking Dead, and Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Most recently, he's starred as Dr Luke Garrett in The Essex Serpent, and Isambard Tulley in Renegade Nell.

Newcomer Mia Millichamp-Long plays Kelly, EastEnders' Caroline Faber stars as Sue Ashbury, and Innocent's Andrew Tiernan in Paul Fine.

Where was Joan filmed?

While Joan is predominantly set in London, filming took place across the UK in various locations.

Filming began in May 2023 in Herne Bay, Kent. Cast and crew also shot in Birmingham, Hay Lane in Coventry, Regent Street in Leamington Spa, and in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Scenes were also filmed across the West Midlands.

Joan starts on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 9pm. The second episode airs on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 9pm.