Is Gentleman Jack coming back and what can we expect from Season 2?

When Gentleman Jack first hit our screens back in 2019, we had little idea of how much it would take over our lives. The BBC One/HBO drama stars Suranne Jones and episode one pulled in 5.1 million viewers. With the success of this launch, it’s perhaps no surprise that fans were keen for a second series.

And the BBC has listened, recommissioning Gentleman Jack for a second series. Not only that, but according to the broadcaster, filming has already begun on the historical drama. 

What is Gentleman Jack based on? 

Written by Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax), the series uses the real life diaries of Halifax landowner and industrialist Anne Lister as its source. Lister’s story in the show is entirely based in historical fact and the over 4 million words she wrote in her journals. 

Season 1 saw Anne (Suranne Jones) in a decidedly up-and-down relationship with Ann Walker (played by Sophie Rundle). However, by the end they had decided to make a real go of their relationship. 

Now it seems Season 2 will explore how their lives and relationship is progressing. 

What do we know about Season 2 so far?

Filming is apparently underway in Halifax, Yorkshire under Covid-19 safety guidelines. The BBC have recently shared an image of star Suranne Jones in costume, complete with a face mask. Emblazoned on the front are the words: What would Anne Lister do?

Season 2 will reportedly one again use Anne Lister’s real diaries as a primary source and be set in 1834 in Yorkshire. Variety suggests that it will follow Anne Lister and her new wife Ann Walker as they set up home at Shibden Hall,.

However Anne Lister’s unconventional love life and entrepreneurial spirit do nothing to endear her to the locals. Halifax is close to revolution and Anne could very easily find herself in danger. 

The show's creator Sally Wainwright recently explained to Digital Spy that season 2 is about “how they negotiate their married life, conspicuously in public, and how they deal with their detractors and the effect that has on their relationship as well." 

Who is in Gentleman Jack?

Alongside Suranne Jones is a suitably glittery cast, including Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones), Timothy West CBE, Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones), Katherine Kelly (Liar) and Peter Davison (Doctor Who). 

All of them are set to return in season 2, with Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It) joining the cast as Anne Lister’s former lover, Isabella ‘Tib’ Norcliffe.  

When will Gentleman Jack S2 be on?

Though a premiere date has not yet been announced, with filming happening now it seems like we might not have long to wait. 

Speaking to Digital Spy about this second series, Sally Wainwright has said, “I'm more thrilled than I've ever been about anything that we're returning with a new series of Gentleman Jack. We've had such an extraordinary response from so many viewers all over the world about the first series, and I can't wait to show them what we've come up with this time.

Neither can we!