Gentleman Jack writer receives the highest honour from Calderdale Council
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS, IMAGE VIA GETTY
Sally Wainwright already holds the title of lez/bi hero in our hearts, but the Borough of Calderdale are also recognising this Jack The Lass for her outstanding contribution to the area.
In a special ceremony at Halifax Town Hall on Wednesday 11 March, Sally Wainwright will be awarded Freedom of the Borough. It is the absolute highest honour that a council can give, allowing recipients privileges such as herding sheep through the streets (!)
If you didn’t already know, Sally Wainwright is an English television writer, producer and director from Yorkshire.
In 2018, Sally wrote, executive produced and directed Gentleman Jack, the highly successful, eight-part BBC drama about the extraordinary Yorkshire landowner, diarist and traveller, Anne Lister, who kept diaries of her daily life – including her lesbian relationships. She is currently writing the second series which is due to come our way later this year.
The BAFTA-winning writer has placed Calderdale firmly on the map and brought in tourism from all over the world with her acclaimed TV writing for Gentleman Jack, Happy Valley and Last Tango In Halifax.
Gentleman Jack has showcased Calderdale’s distinctiveness to global audiences and boosted visitor numbers at Anne’s historic home, Shibden Hall. The hugely popular and, for many, life-changing BBC drama has brought millions of pounds into the local economy.
Sally champions Calderdale so passionately in her work and we couldn’t be more pleased that she is receiving such a deserved honour.
Want more? Read this DIVA *exclusive* interview with Sally Wainwright in our March issue available right here, right now.
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