Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion – Q&A Aftershow
Once Upon A Crime
Esther Ludlow
4.6 • 5K Ratings
🗓️ 2 October 2025
⏱️ 91 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In this special Aftershow episode, Esther and Lorena answer listener questions and reflect on the powerful story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom.
Together, we unpack the psychology, the heartbreak, and the social forces behind one of Britain’s most infamous true crime cases. From Ruth’s volatile relationship with David Blakely to the justice system that sealed her fate, we dive deeper into what drove her — and what doomed her.
Plus, Esther reflects on Ruth’s final act, and whether she believed it was her only escape.
If you loved the Hanged series, this Aftershow gives you a chance to go behind the scenes, hear deeper insights, and join the conversation about love, obsession, and justice.
Highlights:
- The emotional toll of toxic relationships and what they reveal about human behavior
- Gender, class, and morality in 1950s Britain
- How Ruth Ellis’s childhood and early adult experiences informed her choices about love, relationships, and obsession
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Sources:
A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.
The Last Woman to be Hanged: The Ruth Ellis Story, Robert Hancock, Seven Dials Publishing, 2020.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis
https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer
https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091
https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows
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Links:
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Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com
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✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽
We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crimefans on an unforgettable adventure.
Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast!
🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now!
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Your first great love story is free when you sign up for a free 30-day trial at audible.co. |
| 0:05.5 | U.K.-slash-wondery. That's audible.com.uk-slash-wondery. |
| 0:13.5 | Hey, true crime fans. Want to travel with us? Tickets are officially on sale for our very first trip, |
| 0:20.5 | and it's to Mexico City. and we want you to join us. |
| 0:24.6 | We'll spend four unforgettable days in Mexico City from March 27th to 30th, 2026. |
| 0:30.6 | You'll experience the real CDMX, with local guides to sit mescal, eat tacos like locals, and explore one of the world's most vibrant cities, safely and stress-free. |
| 0:41.3 | It will be a trip you'll be talking about for years to come, and one you'll experience with me, Loretna, and a killer crew of podcast fans just like you. |
| 0:50.3 | Your spot includes meals, activities, and expert guides, all for $1951. |
| 0:57.0 | Flight's not included, but everything else? |
| 0:59.0 | Handled. |
| 1:00.0 | We've got just 8 to 20 spots, so don't wait. |
| 1:03.0 | Book now and let's make memories in Mexico together. |
| 1:06.0 | Click the link in the show notes to reserve your spot today. |
| 1:26.8 | Welcome to a special Once Upon a Crime After Show. |
| 1:32.3 | In this episode, we'll answer some of your questions about the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the United Kingdom. |
| 1:35.3 | In our seven-part series, Hanged, Ruth Ellis and The Price of Passion, |
| 1:40.3 | we explored Ruth's turbulent life, from her ambitions and heartbreaks to the fateful night that change UK true crime history. |
| 1:48.5 | But the story doesn't end there. |
| 1:51.1 | In this after show, we'll be unpacking your questions and reactions, exploring the psychology behind Ruth's choices, |
| 1:58.4 | her doomed relationship with David Blakely, and the social attitudes that |
| 2:02.5 | shaped her fate. We'll talk about love, power, obsession, and justice, and ask, was Ruth a victim |
| 2:09.5 | of her own passion or of a system that refused to understand her? So grab a cup of tea, or in honor of |
... |
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