Boxer Crouch's memoir optioned for TV by 'Gentleman Jack' team

Suranne Jones will produce and star in an adaptation of five-time boxing champion Jane Crouch’s memoir The Final Round (Pitch).

Jones’ firm TeamAkers and “Gentleman Jack” producers Lookout Point optioned TV rights for the series from the MBA agency.

Crouch’s 2019 book explains her rise from a tough upbringing in Fleetwood to success in the ring. At the heart of her story is her successful legal battle with the UK Boxing Board of Control to allow women to compete in the UK.

Faith Penhale and Laura Lankester, from Lookout Point, will develop the show with Jones and production partner Laurence Akers.

Jones said: "As soon as I met Jane, I knew I wanted to tell her story from her perspective and shine a light on this amazing woman who paved the way so others in her position could succeed. TeamAkers cannot wait to get started on developing The Final Round and we're thrilled to be working with Faith and the team at Lookout Point—we know it’s going to make fantastic television."

Akers added: "Jane’s story is one that needs to be told and now is the time to tell it. It’s incredible that women weren’t allowed to box in this country until 1998 and Jane’s treatment by the media around that time was draconian. She gave her entire life to boxing and it almost destroyed her. Her courage and fight are an inspiration and I believe this will truly be a landmark television series."