Rick Cressman has spoken out about the profound emotional toll ITV’s drama “The Lady” has taken on him, challenging claims made by lead actress Mia McKenna-Bruce about his family’s participation in the project.
The hotelier, whose brother Thomas was killed by Jane Andrews in 2000, expressed dismay after Ms McKenna-Bruce told an interviewer last weekend: “The family of Tommy were involved.”
Mr Cressman firmly rejects any suggestion that the family willingly participated in the production of the documentary about his brother’s murderer.
“It’s naive of the actress to think we wanted to cooperate,” he said. “I feel emotionally and mentally distressed.”
Natalie Dormer, who portrays Sarah Ferguson in the series, alongside lead actress Mia McKenna-Bruce
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ITV
Andrews, who served as a dresser for Sarah Ferguson between 1988 to 1997, attacked Thomas Cressman with a cricket bat while he slept before fatally stabbing him in the chest.
The broadcaster informed the Cressman family in 2024 that the drama would proceed, providing them with merely seven days’ notice.
“We felt we had no choice but to cooperate,” Mr Cressman explained. “It was presented to us as a fait accompli and all we could do was to give some advice to the actor playing Tommy, so he could try to understand my brother.”
The drama takes its name from the magazine where Andrews found her royal employment advertised.
Andrews, who served as a dresser for Sarah Ferguson during her time as Duchess of York, attacked Thomas Cressman with a cricket bat while he slept before fatally stabbing him in the chest.
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Kent Police
Thomas was killed by Jane Andrews in 2000.
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PA
The Cressman family has suffered further heartbreak, with Rick’s sister Cathy passing away in Spain yesterday at the age of 72.
Her death follows that of their mother Barbara, last year, meaning Rick now stands alone as the final family member able to speak for his murdered brother.
Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer, who portrays Sarah Ferguson in the series, has announced she will donate her entire salary to charities supporting child abuse victims, following revelations about Fergie’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
Ms Dormer has also confirmed she will not participate in any promotional activities for the programme.