Jack James Ryan has been on our screens over the past couple of weeks in ITV drama ‘I Fought the Law’. The series aired on Sunday, August 31, and concluded yesterday evening. The former Coronation Street actor appeared alongside Sheridan Smith as they helped the story of Ann Ming and her fight for justice come to life on screens.
Sheridan helps tell the heartbreaking and inspiring real-life story of a mum who finds strength to challenge the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law. The drama follows the tragic challenges faced by the Ming family after the murder of their 22-year-old daughter, Julie.
In the wake of multiple police failings, Ann relentlessly pressures the authorities to uncover the truth and make sure her daughter’s killer is brought to justice after a fifteen-year battle.
Julie’s mum, Ann, campaigned for 15 years to get the 800-year-old law changed so that murderer Billy Dunlop, played by Jack James Ryan, could be charged for the same crime twice. In 2006, he became the first person to be tried under the new rules. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
After the final episode aired on ITV yesterday, Jack posted a photo from his dressing room on the set of the show as he wrote a heartfelt message about the role and what it meant to him.
He said: “Creating work which has the potential to impact, educate, and change the way we think was the whole reason I got into the industry. This job will stay with me for a long time and I’m incredible proud I was a small cog of a huge machine who brought Ann’s story to screen.”
The actor sent a more personal message to Sheridan Smith as he praised her incredible acting ability and the influence she has off-screen. Jack wrote on social media: “To Sheridan, from fangirl to fanfriend, working with you has been an absolute career highlight.
“Your ability as an actor completely blows my mind but more than that you’re one of the most beautiful, kind and generous people I’ve ever worked with.”
He added: “Everyday onset with you was like a day at school and getting to learn from you over those three months of filming was truly golden. You put your whole heart and soul into this and it shows in the end result. No on could have achieved what you did in this show. I love you dude.”
Jack appeared on Coronation Street between February 2021 and January 2023, before going onto other things. He receive an abundance of support from his former co-stars after the series wrapped.
Elle Mulvaney, who plays the role of Amy Barlow on the Cobbles commented “Insanely proud” alongside a love heart emoji. Harriet Bibby who plays Summer Spellman added clapping hand emojis.
Speaking to Good Housekeeping about the importance of playing Ann, in ITV’s latest drama ‘I Fought the Law’, Sheridan said: “I Fought the Law is probably the hardest job I’ve ever done, partly because I wanted to do Ann Ming’s story justice. She’s a little firecracker of a woman who took on the establishment and won. She’s my hero.”
Although she has chosen more serious roles in recent years, it was sitcoms that helped launch the 44-year-old to stardom. She came to prominence after playing parts in The Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Gavin and Stacey and Benidorm.