Gentleman Jack has been recommissioned for a second series.
The first episode of the drama – which stars Suranne Jones as Anne Lister – only aired on BBC One on Sunday (19.05.19), but boasted impressive launch figures, with an average overnight audience of 5.1 million viewers, and a peak of 5.6 million.
And thanks to the success of the first episode – which was the most successful launch for a new BBC drama this year – the programme has been commissioned for a second series.
Gentleman Jack is produced by Lookout Point in partnership with HBO, and is written by Sally Wainwright, using the real life diaries of Anne Lister as its source, with every part of her story based in historical fact and the five million words she wrote in her journals.
Speaking about the renewal of the show, Sally – who is also the brain behind hit shows such as Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax – said in a statement:
“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.”
Whilst Suranne says she can’t wait to get back on set alongside her talented co-stars, which includes Sophie Rundle, Gemma Whelan, Gemma Jones, and Timothy West.
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In her own statement, she said: “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.”
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Further details on the second series, which will again consist of eight episodes, will be announced in due course.
Series one of Gentleman Jack continues with its second episode on Sunday (26.05.19) at 9pm on BBC One.
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