As the BBC and HBO recommission the series, written by Sally Wainwright and starring Suranne Jones, despite just one episode airing in the UK.
Episode one of the drama, starring Suranne Jones as the remarkable Anne Lister launched with 5.1m viewers on BBC One on Sunday 19th May, making it the most successful launch for a new BBC drama this year.
Just like the first series did, series two will use the real life diaries of Anne Lister, part of which were written in code, as its source, with every part of Lister’s story based in historical fact and the five million words she wrote in her journals.
Suranne Jones, who stars as Anne Lister, says: “I’m so thrilled that I will be joining Sally Wainwright on the second part of Anne’s journey. We always dreamed there would be more and now we get to play it all out. A huge thank you to the BBC, HBO and Lookout Point for giving us our second series. It’s such amazing and positive news. I love working with the brilliant and talented Sophie Rundle and can’t wait to create some more Lister and Walker moments with her too.”
On news of the recommission, Sally Wainwright added “It's so exciting that so many people have had such a positive response to Suranne's exuberant performance as the brilliant, life-affirming Anne Lister and to Sophie's beautiful performance as her courageous partner, Ann Walker. I'm utterly delighted that we've been recommissioned, because there are so many more big, bold stories to tell about Anne Lister and Ann Walker. A massive thank you to the BBC and HBO and to everyone at Lookout Point.”
With Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, adding “Gentleman Jack exudes sass and originality, and has been a huge hit with our BBC One audience. We look forward to continuing Anne Lister’s journey with Sally, Suranne and the rest of the team.”
Gentleman Jack continues Sundays at 9pm on BBC One