JOAN: ITV CONFIRMS HIT DRAMA WON'T RETURN FOR SECOND SERIES

ITV drama Joan, starring Sophie Turner as London jewel thief Joan Hannington, will not be returning for a second series, it has been revealed.

Inspired by the real Joan Hannington and certain events from her life, the show was written by the acclaimed screenwriter Anna Symon (The Essex Serpent, Mrs Wilson) and directed by BAFTA award-winner Richard Laxton (Rain Dogs, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, Mrs Wilson).

An ITV spokesperson told The Sun: "ITV and Snowed-In Productions would love to produce another series of Joan. However, as a consequence of cast availability, and following co-production discussions, a second series isn’t possible."

The series opens with Joan, a fiery and uncompromising woman in her twenties who is deeply scarred and vulnerable - she is a devoted mother to her six-year-old daughter Kelly but is trapped in a disastrous marriage with a violent criminal named Gary.

When Gary goes on the run, Joan seizes the opportunity to create a new life for herself and her daughter. Adopting new identities and making new acquaintances along the way, Joan becomes a masterful jewel thief - she embarks on a thrilling and high-stakes journey that challenges her every limit while driven by her desire to care for her daughter and create a secure home for them both.

Sophie Turner stars alongside Frank Dillane (Renegade Nell, Fear the Walking Dead, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince) as Boisie, a London antique dealer. Kirsty J. Curtis (Rise of the Footsoldier, Match Not Found, Harlots) plays Nancy, Joan’s older sister and a salon worker.

While Gershwyn Eustache Junior (A Spy Among Friends, I May Destroy You, Top Boy) portrays Albie, an old acquaintance of Boisie who has made a new life in Spain with his wife Val played by Laura Aikman (Archie, Gavin & Stacey, Breeders).

Joan is available to stream now on ITVX.