Gentleman Jack to get second series, BBC One announces

Gentleman Jack has been given a second series after just one episode has aired on TV.

Sally Wainwright’s Gentleman Jack made its premiere on BBC One on Sunday night.

Starring Suranne Jones as the remarkable Anne Lister, the BBC say it was the “most successful launch for a new BBC drama this year, winning its 9pm slot with an average overnight audience of 5.1 million viewers, and a peak of 5.6 million.”

Written by Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax, To Walk Invisible), Gentleman Jack is a Lookout Point production for BBC One and co-produced with HBO.

The second series will again 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.

On news of the recommission, Sally Wainwright said: “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.”

Suranne Jones added: “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.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, commented: “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.”

Series one of Gentleman Jack will continue with its second episode this Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.

You can watch episodes online and catch up via BBC iPlayer.