Joan release date, cast and episode count as new Sophie Turner drama airs on ITV

The hotly anticipated ITV drama Joan is finally being aired this weekend. Starring Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner as Joan, the drama is based on the real-life story of jewel thief Joan Harrington, also known as The Godmother, in the criminal underworld of 1980s London.

The series will see Joan's criminal behaviour escalate, with a variety of disguises and schemes as she tries to build a secure feature for herself and her daughter.

The series, written by Anna Symon, will air on ITV1 and ITVX and offer a glimpse into 1980s London and share the true story of Joan Harrington. This is who stars in the new ITV drama, how can you watch the series and what to expect over the series.

The synopsis for the upcoming six-part drama series reveals: "When her partner Gary goes on the run, Joan seizes the chance to start a new life with her six-year-old daughter, Kelly. Delving deeper into the criminal underworld, Joan meets Boisie, an enigmatic antiques dealer whose allure introduces her to new levels of danger and passion."

"Through sharp intelligence, irresistible charm, and a talent for impersonation, Joan's journey is a high-stakes game of survival and reinvention. Every heist and every stolen diamond is driven by her singular purpose: to create a secure future for her daughter."

The series was filmed in Herne Bay as well as locations in and around Birmingham and the Midlands.

There will be six episodes in the ITV drama, with the first episode airing on ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday, September 29.

Thankfully viewers won't have to wait long for the second episode, which will air the following day at 9pm on Monday, September 30.

The whole series will be available to watch on-demand on ITVX from September 29.

British actress Sophie Turner stars as jewel thief and criminal mastermind Joan. She is widely known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones where she earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

She also starred in The Staircase, Jean Grey in the X Men films, Time Freak and Josie.

Sophie Turner stars alongside Frank Dillane (The Essex Serpent, Fear the Walking Dead, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince), as Boisie, a London antique dealer.

Kirsty J Curtis (Rise of the Footsoldier, Harlots), plays Nancy, Joan's older sister and a salon worker while Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (I May Destroy You, Top Boy) portrays Albie, an old acquaintance of Boisie who's made a new life in Spain with his wife Val, played by Laura Aikman (The Split, Gavin & Stacey).

Other actors joining the series include Nick Blood (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Safe), Jack Greenlees (Strike, Harlots), Alex Blake (The Crown, Chernobyl), Caroline Faber (Grantchester, Berlin Station) and Dorothy Atkinson (The Gold, Stonehouse).