“There are so many more big, bold stories to tell about Anne Lister and Ann Walker”
BY DANIELLE MUSTARDE
Let us rejoice! Sally Wainwright’s hit BBC One series (and DIVA’s May cover star) Gentleman Jack has been recommissioned for a second series.
Episode one – starring Suranne Jones as historical celesbian Anne Lister – aired on BBC One last week to widespread praise and 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. (We blame Suranne’s dapper realness, tbh).
Co-produced with HBO and written by Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax, To Walk Invisible), 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.
Oh, and the five million words she wrote in her journals…
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,” said Sally.
“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, who stars as Anne Lister and was DIVA’s May 2019 cover star, 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 [Ann Walker] and can’t wait to create some more Lister and Walker moments with her too.”
Further details of the second series, which will also be eight episodes long, will be announced later this year – keep your eyes on DIVA’s social for more.
Can’t wait until then? Grab the May issue now and find out all of the behind-the-scenes goss.
Series one of Gentleman Jack continues with its second episode this Sunday at 9pm on BBC One. The first episode is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer
