Solihull Family's Distress Over ITV Drama Depicting Brother's Murder by Royal Aide
The brother of a Solihull-born businessman murdered by his Royal aide girlfriend has expressed profound emotional distress as a new ITV drama prepares to depict the tragic events. Tom Cressman, a 39-year-old businessman, was brutally killed in September 2000 when his girlfriend, Jane Andrews—a former dresser to ex-Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson—attacked him as he slept in their Fulham home.
Andrews struck Cressman over the head with a cricket bat and stabbed him in the chest, leading to her conviction for murder at the Old Bailey. She received a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison. Now, nearly three decades later, the horror of this killing is being brought to life in a four-part ITV drama titled The Lady, set to air from Sunday, February 22.
Family Cooperation and Emotional Toll
Rick Cressman, 74, the victim's brother and a hotelier who runs Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire, revealed that he and other loved ones assisted in the production. They helped actor Ed Speleers, known for his role in Downton Abbey, who portrays Tom, as well as the production team, to ensure accuracy. However, Rick described the process as challenging and emotionally taxing.
"We've been helpful with our cooperation. We tried to help the actor who played my brother to absorb his character," said Rick, a grandfather of five. "Two of Tommy's best friends also had long conversations with the actor to enable him to play the part of Tommy."
Despite their efforts, Rick expressed concerns about the dramatization, noting that "what they see as a story, we see as our lives." He emphasized the risk of changes altering the truth and raising unsettling questions. While he believes the drama is well-made and accurately conveys the brutality of the murder, the experience has been a source of ongoing distress.
Legacy and Personal Loss
Rick highlighted the lasting impact of his brother's murder, describing it as a "real life sentence" for the family. He shared that they often toast to Tommy during special occasions, keeping his memory alive. Tragically, Rick recently lost his sister, Cathy Kerruish, 72, who passed away in Spain three weeks ago. He expressed pride in her involvement in a Channel 5 documentary about the case, where she spoke powerfully to preserve Tommy's legacy.
"I've done it for 25 years. At times I've never really felt like I could not settle to allow my brother to rest in peace or to settle in my own life. It really is so emotionally distressing. It's tantamount to virtually a torture," Rick confessed, reflecting on the constant media attention over the years.
The upheaval caused by The Lady has exacerbated this distress, affecting not only Rick but also friends and family. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the justice received by the family, driven by duty to his brother's memory, amidst challenges from those attempting to undermine it.
