The Doctor Foster actress was pictured with her arm around Jennie, who plays Fiz Stape on the ITV soap, as they posed for photos at the premiere of the second series of Gentleman Jack.
Suranne, 43, also shared a photo of the reunion on social media, documenting the special moment.
The Scott and Bailey star first rose to fame as Karen McDonald on Coronation Street, a role she played for four years, between 2000 and 2004.
After departing the nation’s most famous street, she went on to land roles in drama series including Unforgiven, Harley Street and Vincent.
Suranne starred as Rachel Bailey, one half of the eponymous crime fighting duo, in ITV’s Scott and Bailey between 2011 and 2016.
One of the 43-year-old’s most famous roles, however, came in 2015, when she landed the leading part in Doctor Foster, which followed the story of a GP who discovered her husband had been unfaithful.
Suranne Jones shared a snap of the reunion on social media (Picture: Instagram / @suranne_jones)
Suranne has also starred in Sky One drama Save Me, as well as BBC smash hit Vigil, which was recently recommissioned for a second series.
The critically-acclaimed Gentleman Jack, in which Suranne plays protagonist Anne Lister, will also return for a second outing in April.
Jennie, meanwhile, made her Coronation Street debut in 2001 as Fiz, and has remained on the cobbles ever since.
The 38-year-old has been at the centre of a big storyline in recent months, after Fiz’s partner Tyrone Dobbs, played by Alan Halsall, cheated on her with Alina Pop.
Fiz has since moved on, starting a new relationship with newcomer Phill Whittaker, and she is planning on leaving Weatherfield with her new beau to start afresh elsewhere.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm on ITV.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
Suranne Jones stars as Anne Lister in the hit BBC series (Picture: BBC)
Gentleman Jack star Suranne Jones revealed she was amazed to learn that her character in the BBC period drama was hailed as an LGBT icon.
The 43-year-old actress stars as the intriguing landowner Anne Lister in the popular programme – which is based on the true story of real-life diarist Anne – who in the first series began a romance with another woman.
Season one of the series ended with her and Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) declaring their love for each other and running off to get married, but what trouble awaits them in the second chapter?
Well, fans won’t have long to wait as series two makes its debut on the small screen tomorrow (April 10).
Speaking about the show’s highly-anticipated return at the London launch, Suranne was overwhelmed that her starring role has made a powerful impact.
‘The fact that it’s changed people’s lives is extraordinary,’ she said.
Season one ended with Anne Lister(right) and Ann Walker (right) getting married (Picture: PA)
Gentleman Jack season two returns tomorrow (Picture: PA)
‘I think when we first talked about what Sally’s Gentleman Jack was going to be, it was almost like a steampunk period drama.
‘There’s no other period drama like this,’ she added.
The upcoming eight-parter will pick up in Yorkshire in 1834, as all eyes turn to the happily married Anne and Ann, as they’re determined to combine their estates and make their mark as a power couple.
Gemma Jones, Timothy West, Katherine Kelly, Derek Riddell, Stephanie Cole, and Peter Davison will also return to the screen.
Season one of the show covered the period 1832 to 1834 – but landowner Anne died in 1840, meaning there is another six years worth of her life to bring to the small screen.
Gentleman Jack will return on Sunday April 10 at 9pm on BBC One.
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Gentleman Jack finally returns on Sunday night and promises more excellent drama.
It stars Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle as wife and wife Anne Lister and Ann Walker.
There’s just one catch, it’s 1834 and the pair have to keep their marriage secret.
As per the first season, the second is based on information written by Lister herself in her extraordinary diaries.
Who is in the cast of Gentleman Jack season 2?
Suranne Jones as Anne Lister
Suranne is back as the incredible Anne Lister (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
Anne will be determined to make her marriage to Ann work, despite various complications which arise throughout the new season.
We’ve seen Suranne all over the box in recent years, starring in BBC drama Vigil, the titular role in Doctor Foster and Sergeant Rachel Bailey in ITV’s Scott and Bailey.
Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker
Will Ann manage to keep her relationship secure? (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Sam Taylor)
Troubled Ann doesn’t quite have the confidence of her partner, who will be seen having to persuade her to step up more in season two. She’s also had struggles with her mental health, and will be in the care of a doctor as the episodes begin.
Fans have recently seen Sophie as the powerhouse Ada Shelby in Peaky Blinders, and she also starred in BBC drama The Nest, opposite Martin Compston back in 2020.
Gemma Whelan as Marian Lister
Loyal Marian will guide her sister in a big way (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
Anne’s loving sister Marian will return as she helps to guide her sibling through her turbulent marriage and new responsibilities as a wife.
Gemma is known for her roles in Killing Eve, ITV police drama The Tower and as Yara Greyjoy in the HBO fantasy-drama series Game of Thrones.
Joanna Scanlan as Isabella Norcliffe
Joanna Scanlan will cause chaos in season 2 (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Sam Taylor)
Isabella will be introduced to viewers as an ex-lover of Anne, and we can’t wait to see how she mixes things up.
Joanna is the main new cast addition for season two and has been seen in comedy shows such as The Thick Of It, No Offence and as matriarch Ma Larkin in the revamped version of The Darling Buds Of May.
Marianna looks tearful in new pictures (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
Lydia is back to play Marianna, who is Anne’s scorned lover desperate to get her attention once more.
What could possibly go wrong?
She’s previously starred in Apple Tree Yard, crime thriller Flesh and Blood and in the movie Last Christmas, along with Emilia Clarke.
Timothy West as Jeremy Lister
Jeremy leads the way at Shibden (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Matt Squire)
Timothy returns as Anne’s father Jeremy, who is still in charge at Shibden Hall.
The veteran actor has had a lengthy career in TV, theatre and more, and is known for his roles of Stan Carter in EastEnders, Ted in Last Tango In Halifax and Geoffrey in Lee Mack’s comedy, Not Going Out.
Stephanie Cole as Aunt Ann Walker
Aunt Ann will make her disapproval clear (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
Fans love straight-talking Aunt Ann Walker, who isn’t best pleased with her niece’s relationship with Lister, so we’re sure she’ll be up to more meddling this time around.
Legendary actress Stephanie has recently appeared in Still Open All Hours, Man and as Sylvia Goodwin in ITV’s Coronation Street.
What is the plot of season 2?
Viewers will see all eyes are on Lister and Walker as they decide to set up home together at Shibden Hall as newlyweds.
Walker is still in Halifax under the care of a doctor as her other half remains at their future shared home.
Lister’s entrepreneurial spirit frightens the locals as much as her unconventional love life and, with Halifax on the brink of revolution, her refusal to keep a low profile becomes provocative and dangerous.
But with old flames and new friends added to the mix, will the pair manage to make their romance last?
When is season 2 released and how to watch it?
Season two of Gentleman Jack will fill the empty slot left by Peaky Blinders when it returns on Sunday, April 10 at 9pm.
New episodes will air at the same time each week, with eight instalments in total for viewers to get stuck into.
Season one is currently on BBC iPlayer, and new episodes will be added to the streaming service after they air.
American fans can also watch the show as it streams on HBO in the States.
Gentleman Jack returns on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
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It’s been quite a while since we saw the Ann(e)s declare their love for each other and take their relationship to the next stage in emotional closing scenes back in 2019.
But if fans were worried it might have lost some of its momentum in the three years since, they can rest easy.
Episode one clearly asserts how season two will mean business in a big way, with more raucous behaviour from all sides, new love rivals and the battle for control over as much of Halifax as possible, which is clearly Lister’s (Suranne Jones) main other focus.
Our main pair are now married and set to live together at Shibden – but their situation seems to remain unwelcome by the local gossips as we join them just weeks after their commitment ceremony.
Still present are Walker’s (Sophie Rundle) struggle with her mental health after it rapidly deteriorated at the end of season one. She remains under the care of a doctor in York, turning her attention to painting and other relaxing activities in a bid to aid her recovery.
How will they get on with married life? (Picture: BBC)
Anne wants to get her hands on more property (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
Meanwhile, Lister spends an awful lot of time walking with purpose through the town, striking up deals as she continues on her mission to make things perfect for her partner’s return.
But with Walker still rather hesitant about the future and her wife going at it all guns blazing, actress Suranne previously warned fans of her alter-ego: ‘She’s not just on fire. She’s dangerous.
‘There’s so much going on with her that she is on the cusp of losing control almost at any point because she’s so excited with her life,’ she told press including Metro.co.uk at a recent screening in London.
Joanna is an exciting addition to the cast (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Sam Taylor)
The wives will face much opposition not only to their choice of lifestyle but the threat of old flames threatening to undo the new marriage.
Scorned ex Mariana (Lydia Leonard) is back in the picture, sending letters to Lister as she tries to work her way back into her former love interest’s life – but could she ever be swayed to betray her wife? We’re not sure just yet, but potentially some major upset to come here.
Stephanie Cole is particularly glorious as Walker’s stubborn aunt, who is, well, far from a fan of Lister’s and opposed to the idea of her niece starting up a life with the entrepreneur. It’ll be great to explore this clash in bold personalities further as the season develops.
Stephanie Cole is particularly brilliant (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
Visually, this is one of the most beautiful things you’ll watch all year. From the carefully crafted period costumes adorned with curls and corsets to the stunning Yorkshire scenery, which helps the show retain so much charm.
The clever use of the fourth wall from Lister’s POV means fans feel connected to Lister’s strength of character, without it feeling cliched – which Suranne pulls off so well.
Sophie perfectly portrays the mental conflict her character deals with almost constantly, never quite being able to make up her mind on how she feels. The actress shows Walker’s vulnerability but allows her a lovely glimpse of confidence and assertion every once in a while, which hopefully she will build upon further as the story continues.
Luckily, there are plenty of laughs in episode one to look forward to, with brilliant one-liners often coming from the whole of the Lister clan, as well as Aunt Ann Walker.
The excellent Joanna Scanlan will soon join as another of Lister’s ex-lovers in what is an undeniably brilliant addition to the cast. Scanlan is one of the UK’s biggest talents, hot off winning a Bafta for best actress at last month’s ceremony – she’ll surely slot straight in here.
While it’ll soon become clear there’s perhaps a tricky road ahead for the pair, ultimately their love story is what underpins the narrative, with Lister often being thought of as the ‘first modern lesbian.’
During the London launch of season two, leading lady Suranne heard from an audience member who came out as a trans man after watching her portrayal.
‘Thank you for loving us and appreciating us and bringing us into your life,’ she commented in response, before adding: ‘I think you will find out in season two what love is to Anne Lister but it is a shock to her what love is and it’s not what she thought it was.’
Well, time to strap in!
Gentleman Jack begins tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
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The BBC’s bet pay off, because the first series of the show was a bonafide hit with viewers who praised it for its witty script and exuberant performance from Jones, as well as some unexpectedly steamy moments – all set against some pretty lavish visual backdrops.
So just where was the show filmed? Here’s what you need to know…
Where is Gentleman Jack filmed?
The show is set in Halifax, West Yorkshire, in 1832 and 1834 – with much of the action taking place around Anne Lister’s ancestral home Shibden Hall.
And sure enough, much of the series was actually filmed in and around Halifax – with a lot of scenes being shot in Shibden Hall itself.
‘It still blows my mind when I say that we filmed at Shibden,’ Jones said at the launch of season one.
‘When I’m walking in Anne Lister’s footsteps, I am literally walking into her house, up her stairs, eating in her dining room, doing business deals where she did business deals, surveying the same land, and walking where she walked.’
As many of the rooms at Shibden Hall were too small to film in, some scenes were also shot on purpose-built sets – including those in Anne’s bedroom and study.
Some rooms were created in the house especially for the show (Picture: BBC)
A kitchen was also added for some scenes – while the crew had to ask gardeners on the estate to stop cutting the grass, so that the lawn could have the same unkempt look it had in Anne’s day.
Shibden Hall dates back to 1420 and the home is open to visitors every day except Fridays – you can find out more information here.
What other locations were used during filming?
The garden looks a little different these days (Picture: BBC)
Other locations included Sutton Park in York, as well as locations in Bradford and the surrounding areas.
The cast and crew also ventured overseas to film some scenes in Copenhagen, at the Danish capital’s City Hall.
Gentleman Jack returns on BBC One on Sunday night at 9pm.
Walker is still in Halifax under the care of a doctor as her other half remains at their future shared home.
Lister’s entrepreneurial spirit frightens the locals as much as her unconventional love life and, with Halifax on the brink of revolution, her refusal to keep a low profile becomes provocative and dangerous.
Sophie and Suranne return in their roles of lovers Ann Walker and Ann Lister (Picture: BBC)
Fans quickly connected with the historic love story, with Lister often recognised as the first true modern lesbian.
Is Gentleman Jack based on a real story?
As per the first season, the second is based on information written by Lister herself in her extraordinary diaries.
Every part of Lister’s story is inspired by historical facts, with the incredible entrepreneur’s accounts actually written in code.
Anne Lister always means business (Picture: BBC)
Lister kept diaries regarding her relationships with her secret female lovers as well as her efforts in reinstating her family home, Shibden Hall, back to notoriety.
Sally Wainwright has previously spoken out on why it was so important to use her direct accounts in order to form the basis for the story.
She told the BBC ahead of the first outing: ‘Anne Lister is a gift to a dramatist.’
Lister’s family were really supportive of her life decisions (Picture: BBC)
The Gentleman Jack writer continued: ‘She is one of the most exuberant, thrilling and brilliant women in British history, and I can’t wait to celebrate her.
‘Landowner, industrialist, traveller, mountaineer, scholar, would-be brain surgeon and prolific diarist, Anne returns from years of travel to her ancestral home, determined to restore it to its former glory, and determined to marry Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle).
‘It’s a beautifully rich, complicated, surprising love story. To bring Anne Lister to life on-screen is the fulfilment of an ambition I’ve had for 20 years.
‘Shibden Hall is a place I have known and loved since I was a child.’
The eight-parter will be available to both UK and US viewers, streaming on BBC and HBO respectfully.
Gentleman Jack season 2 begins on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One, with season 1 available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer now.
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The BBC drama is back to take over from Peaky Blinders in the coveted 9pm slot, with eight whole episodes of love, betrayal and fun to unpack – and Sophie Rundle’s still there too.
Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) was seen determined to make her marriage to Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) work, as she prepares for her wife’s return to Shibden Hall.
But after her mental health deteriorated at the end of season one, it’s clear – with this season set just weeks after their wedding vows – Walker’s recovery still has a way to go.
Elsewhere, their union could be threatened by old and new flames, as well as Walker’s stern Aunt Ann Walker’s (Stephanie Cole) constant disapproval.
What could happen next? We share all the questions we have after that brilliant opener.
Will Mariana be able to cope with the news of her ex-lover’s marriage?
Anne’s feelings seem mixed as she reads through the letter (Picture: BBC)
Mariana is the ultimate lover scorned, and just minutes into episode one is already writing letters to Lister, pretty much advising against her relationship with Walker. It feels like the 19th century equivalent of sliding back into someone’s DMs.
In her latest letter to Lister, she penned: ‘Dearest Freddie, my thoughts are perpetually full of you. I love you dearly and fondly and despite all our ups and downs, my heart is not unfaithful Still as formally and forever my joys by yours are known. I hope Steph sends you good accounts of your little friend in York, but the pleasure of memories still visit me and I urge you to bid you take your time in this matter and not fetter yourself too soon or too tightly.
‘What you say on the subject of making things work with Ms Walker, is, I doubt, not try as applied to you as you have the energy of character to do with the mind what you will,’ and goes on to warn her to ‘look before you leap’ in a very emotionally charged letter.
Asked whether she’s revealed her marriage to Mariana, Lister explains: ’Mariana knows about her, she doesn’t know about this?’ while pointing to her wedding ring – but what will Mariana’s next move be?
How serious was Lister’s relationship with Tib?
Joanna Scanlan will pay the character of Tib (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Sam Taylor)
Lister took her spouse to dinner with the Northcliffes, soon leaning on Charlotte (Jenna Russell) for support. However, the whole family wasn’t present.
Charlotte was desperate to know whether Walker has had the pleasure of meeting Tib, who happens to be one of Lister’s (many) ex-lovers, but we’re not quite sure how serious their relationship was, or how it ended.
The line of questioning appeared to leave Lister slightly flustered: ‘Good Lord, no. I wouldn’t inflict Tib on her, not yet. I think we might have to work up to dear old Tib.’
Spoiler pictures show Tib (Joanna Scanlan) will indeed soon meet Walker face-to-face – but could this bring up some difficult past memories for Lister and threaten to ruin the present?
Will Ann Walker recover and return to Halifax?
Ann was delighted to see her wife – but her self-confidence is still depleted (Picture: BBC)
After a joyous reunion in York, things took a slightly more serious turn as Walker reminded her lover of her self-inflicted injury from her time in Scotland.
She worriedly asked: ‘Does my Aunt know about what I did to myself in Scotland?’ before being reassured by her wife.
‘Mrs Priestly saw it, I didn’t tell you,’ Walker went on to share. ‘In the carriage on the way back in Scotland… I told her it wasn’t what she thought but I could see her thinking things and of course, it was and people talk. My family talks.’
Despite putting on a brave face, it’s clear her recovery is not over just yet, and throughout the course of the episode, her hesitancies to commit to her new life resurfaces.
After it’s hinted earlier on Walker could look to set up more of a social life in York, could she decide to stay there and not move to Shibden?
Who will win the custody battle for Walker?
Aunt Ann was not impressed to see Lister (Picture: BBC)
Viewers saw Lister pay a visit to Aunt Ann moments in, who expresses her annoyance over not hearing from her niece.
With the businesswoman trying to keep the situation calm, she said: ‘I’m going to York later and I was wondering if there was anything you would like me to take over, a letter, a cake? A kind message’
‘What I would like, is to know exactly where my niece is and when she’s coming back to Halifax. You have explained nothing,’ Aunt Ann replied.
Ms Walker is anxious to follow the doctor’s advice to the letter and temporary separation from her surroundings and routines is considered a necessary part of her treatment.
But in response, Lister was told: ‘You have cut her off from her family, and isolated her from everyone she knows. You may find you have bitten off more than you can chew,’ she warned – but who’s going to win this one? We can’t wait to find out.
Just how many steps does Anne Lister walk each episode?
She never stops! (Picture: BBC)
Lister seems to spend so much of her time pacing up and down the whole of Halifax, that you can’t help but wonder just how many thousands of steps the leading lady took throughout the filming process.
Suranne previously spoke out on her character’s signature striding and even used a step counter hidden under her costume to keep track.
Speaking about whether she actually did as much walking as it seemed, she shared to Metro.co.uk and other press: ‘Yes I did and I would often say to Stella [Merz], who’s our producer, “Let’s go for a walk and talk.” So I’d come off set and go and walk past your [Rundle] trailer lots – Sophie didn’t do much step counting.
‘It was a lot [of steps] and sometimes if I had the coat on as well, I would pop this [fitness band] on underneath’ – we’d love the stats from that please, Suranne.
Gentleman Jack continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
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Gentleman Jack is back – but viewers all had the same complaint (Picture: PA)
Gentleman Jack viewers were furious after the show’s beloved theme song was interrupted following the first episode of series 2.
The Suranne Jones drama returned to BBC One on Sunday night after two years away and many were excited to get into the groove of the music as the credits rolled.
However, no sooner as the track Gentleman Jack by Yorkshire-based folk duo O’Hooley and Tidow began, it was drowned out by an announcer.
‘Gentleman Jack back next Sunday at nine,’ the voiceover declared, prompting the theme song to be turned down.
‘Before then, follow the rocky road of a modern day relationships,’ they continued. ‘Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan star in The Split. The new series, ready for you now, on iPlayer.’
Gentleman Jack fans vented their frustrations on social media shortly afterwards, with one writing: ‘Every time. What is the point of commissioning a fantastic theme song for #GentlemanJack when the @BBCOne continuity announcer talks all over it!’
Echoing a similar sentiment, another blasted: ‘Excuse YOU, don’t talk over the music.’
Despite the disturbance, Gentleman Jack’s return to the small screen was a welcomed treat for many.
‘Where did that hour go? #GentlemanJackIsBack with a bang. Like it’s never been away,’ one fan exclaimed.
‘First class drama, tip-top cast, beautifully written and directed. There’s trouble in store for Anne Lister and Ann Walker and we are here for it. Love it!’
Another penned: ‘A fantastic return of #GentlemanJack. Superb performances by all. #GentlemanJackIsBack!’
Gentleman Jack is back with episode two of series two on Sunday, and it looks like there will be trouble in paradise.
‘The couple’s honeymoon is disrupted by the arrival of an old flame of Anne’s, who threatens to reveal all the secrets of her complex romantic history,’ the synopsis teases.
‘Back in Halifax, Ann’s family hatch a plan to marry her off to a man as soon as she is back in the country.
‘Over at the Sowden’s farm, Suzannah is consumed with regret about moving in with Thomas, whose dark temper frightens the family.’
Gentleman Jack airs Sundays at 9pm on BBC One.
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In episode one, Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) and Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) were seen trying to join their lives together just weeks after their secret union.
But things quickly proved more complicated than first expected, as Ann remained under the care of a doctor in York – with her family becoming suspicious of her plans.
However, Anne quickly began doing everything in her power to ensure her partner was being nursed back to health, to be able to join her at Shibden Hall, rallying around the whole of Halifax and York in an effort to do so.
Of course, Anne is known for never stopping for breath, and is often filmed pacing around Yorkshire to make sure she gets everything done.
Anne is on a mission in series two (Picture: PA)
Recently, leading lady Suranne shared how she and writer Sally Wainwright came up with the physical part of her character, with inspiration from the Oasis star himself.
She explained to Metro.co.uk and other press: ‘[Me and Sally] did a lot of work before season one, and we would talk in-depth, so all the detail was there underpinning every scene.
‘Then we looked at the physicality and stomped around Shibden and then Sophie did that quite a lot of times. I would walk around the rehearsal room, going from straight and upright to Liam Gallagher.
She cited the Oasis frontman as inspiration (Picture: PA)
‘On day one of season one, we did a drone shot, I got the cane and the hat and Sally said, “just walk up and do some stuff” and so I did some stuff, I guess! It just happens now.’
Suranne previously spoke out on her character’s signature striding and even used a step counter hidden under her costume to keep track.
Speaking about whether she actually did as much walking as it seemed, she shared: ‘Yes I did! I would often say to Stella [Merz], who’s our producer, “Let’s go for a walk and talk”. So I’d come off set and go and walk past your [Rundle] trailer lots – Sophie didn’t do much step counting.
Sophie plays Anne Lister’s wife Ann Walker (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
‘It was a lot [of steps] and sometimes if I had the coat on as well, I would pop this [fitness band] on underneath.’
The actress also compared how her character has changed between seasons, with viewers set for even more fiery scenes from Anne.
‘The balls she’s got now in season two… she’s got her wife and she’s setting up her life, she’s getting the business, she’s spending her money. It’s supercharged, she’s fighting the tribe, she’s protecting her assets and she’s fighting for what she wants with the wills and the division of the estate.
‘That helps give us this Anne Lister, which is different to series one. She’s not just on fire, she’s dangerous! Because there’s so much going on with her that she is on the cusp of losing control almost at any point because she’s so excited with life,’ she shared at a recent screening.
But will the newlyweds manage to overcome the expectations of society in 1834 and join their lives together once and for all?
Gentleman Jack continues tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
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When Ann met Tib (Picture: Lookout Point/HBO,BBC/Lookout Point/HBI/Sam Taylor)
Gentleman Jack made for a delightful Easter Sunday addition as it returned for episode two – here’s our recap of all the action from tonight.
The hit Sally Wainwright drama made a long-awaited comeback earlier this month after nearly three years away from our screens.
Season two’s debut found us catching up with Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) as she began her quest to make her marriage to Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) work, as she prepared for her wife’s return to Shibden Hall.
Walker’s stern Aunt Ann Walker’s (Stephanie Cole) constant disapproval was a running theme, which continued to remain an even bigger talking point tonight as more of her family caught a whiff of her plans to move in with Lister.
Elsewhere this evening, the pair were treated to an interesting encounter with Lister’s former lover Tib (Joanna Scanlan) – who we already love – as well as the development of family feuds and sinister plots being put into motion.
But will the couple manage to finally make a home for themselves – despite their secret love threatening to be exposed?
Tib urges Anne to look to the past
What does Tib know that we don’t? (Picture: BBC)
Last week fans saw Lister give some hints that Tib was sure to be a rather bold character – much the opposite of her new love – but Tib and Ann were finally given the chance to meet, this time in Paris.
The newcomer wasted no time injecting an instant boost of energy before poking at Anne about the ‘rich tapestry of your fruity past’.
Lister sternly told her to ‘keep it’ secret from Walker, who remains in the dark about much of her wife’s very interesting past life.
Tib went on: ‘Isn’t she a bit insipid for you? She’s not really one of your sweet interesting creatures, is she… I’m always happy for you. But what about Mariana, is she happy for you?’ – will this lead Lister to rethink whether she really is happy with her wife?
Family feuds intensify
Mariana tried her best (Picture: BBC)
Lister’s beloved sister Marian (Gemma Whelan) paid a visit to Elderly Ms Walker (Stephanie Cole), to ask if she’d seen her aunt’s letters.
‘My aunt would have popped over herself but she’s lucky she can get out into the garden these days with her ulcers,’ Mariana explained. ‘She was anxious to know if you’d been receiving her note… What with there being no reply, she wasn’t sure one way or the other.’
She confirmed she had received all the correspondence, before launching on another rant about her niece: ‘You do know that no one in Ms Walker’s family knew anything about this jaunt until after they’d set off… how dare you tell me it’s not true…
‘Why am I being sent messages anyway, why is my niece not communicating with me herself?’ before adding: ‘Your sister is very manipulative.’
We can’t wait for the inevitable clash between the aunties – bring it on.
Ann Walker ‘needs a husband‘
The Priestleys had no time for Lister (Picture: BBC)
In the world of Gentleman Jack, no one knows how to gossip quite like a Halifax local, and that became even truer tonight.
Mr (Peter Davidson) and Mrs Priestley (Amelia Bullmore) led the coup of cousins, with the former saying: ’Elderly Ms Walker warned us, she said, she’ll have her in Paris before we know it and has a truer word ever been spoken?
‘Who knows where they are now? Geneva, apparently. Halfway up Mont Blanc according to Marian.’
It was noted: ‘Her aunt did everything for her, everything and now she’s getting on and can’t on so much. She needs companionship and a helping hand, she’s abandoned, she’s ignored.’
This then led the room to agree Ann needed a husband, with plans for a potential suitor already underway – but could she really end up having to marry a man she doesn’t love?
The couple gets caught in the act
Uh oh! (Picture: BBC)
While the pair paid a visit to Crow Nest to assess what items Walker wanted to move to Shibden.
But they both let the excitement overtake them as they moved closer to living with each other at last.
The pair were caught in a passionate embrace by two of the youngsters at the house, who’d hidden in the Japanese Room for fear of being told off themselves.
Could the truth about their relationship soon be exposed to all, after their kiss was witnessed?
Mariana finally lets go – even if not everyone else can
We just don’t think Anne Lister can give up that easily (Picture: BBC)
Walker had begun to grow suspicious of the content of Mariana’s letters, after noticing how emotional Lister was after reading a recent arrival.
While Lister assured her wife everything they had was in the past and explained Mariana’s ill health, Walker was still left slightly unsure.
In a – potentially – final letter, Mariana promised to leave her past love alone, even though we don’t think either party really wants that.
‘Dear Freddie, we left Scarborough earlier than anticipated… I now know it is my duty to dote on your less… though we will never meet again, my wishes and prayers for you will not cease again, entirely and affectionately yours,’ she wrote.
After finishing her reading of the dramatic letter, Lister’s hand was sliced open as she dropped the paper-knife.
We’re sure this won’t be the last we’ll see of Mariana – but who will Lister choose?
Gentleman Jack returns next Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
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Gentleman Jack fans saw Anne Lister finally give in and pay a visit to old flame Mariana Lawton, who had some home truths to deliver – but what’s next for the former couple?
In recent weeks Lister (Suranne Jones) and wife Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) have been trying to navigate their lives as newlyweds.
But things haven’t been quite as straightforward as they might have hoped, as they plan to make a home together.
Amongst other complications, Lister’s former love interests have been popping up, from Tib (Joanna Scanlan) to Mariana (Lydia Leonard) – both casting doubts on her new relationship.
However, with Walker still struggling to get what she wants – as her family continues to disapprove of her decisions – and Lister now being swayed into seeing Mariana, there is plenty more to try and get through together just yet.
But will the couple manage to get through newfound battles, as their secret love is on the brink of being exposed?
Elizabeth had her baby – but there’s still no mention of the estate division
There’s a new baby in the family (Picture: BBC)
Last week, we briefly saw Walker’s heavily pregnant sister Elizabeth (Katherine Kelly) on-screen, amid the former trying to get her share of the estate signed over.
Tonight, she revealed: ‘Elizabeth has delivered a fine thumping boy, mother and baby are both doing well. He is to be christened John after my brother.
’No mention on the division of the estate, it’s been how many weeks since I wrote? It’s not even mentioned,’ Walker sighed, hitting the booze.
Her wife tells her ‘steady on’ as she unleashes her frustrations, with Walker adding: ‘I’ve just been ignored, why do people think they can ignore me… do they think I’m invisible?’
Lister responded: ‘You are not invisible, people need educating, today was a triumph, the truth is showing people what it is, not some bitter tittle tattle, and if it becomes necessary we shall employ Mr Parker, they won’t ignore a man of law.’
Will Ann manage to get her fair share of the estate she wants so much?
Mariana reveals her desperation to see Anne
Mariana requested Anne come to see her (Picture: BBC)
So far, we’d yet to see the pair reunite, which will be the first time since Lister’s marriage to Walker.
Mariana wrote once again, to request Lister came to visit: ‘Dearest Fred, I don’t think you understand the misery of indecision I felt when I drove past Shibden. Whilst I do not yet feel able to meet your little friend – although I hope in the fullness of time that will change – I do regret very much I did not see you.
‘There are things between us that are still to say, some things are perhaps better left unsaid but at the same time, could Ms Walker spare you for one or two nights to visit me in Lawton?’ she asked – something which Lister later obliged.
But ultimately, will they get what they both want out of their ‘unfinished business’?
Will Anne Lister and Ann Walker actually be able to hide their true relationship?
The pair aren’t hiding their relationship as well as they thought (Picture: BBC)
Last week, the pair’s romance was witnessed by two of the youngsters at Crow Nest, who of course, have gone on to tell the news to others.
Eliza (Emma Wrightson) is upset because her friend Henry (Dexter Hughes) has been banned from seeing her, but his mum soon makes it clear to Mr Washington (Joe Armstrong) why this is.
‘They’re in one big room with curtains and painting gold furniture, apparently, they heard Ms Walker and Ms Lister, must have arrived unknown. Eliza’s suddenly telling him to hide. They got shut in this room hiding behind a cupboard… he wet himself he was that frightened.
‘They were kissing, Ms Lister and Ms Walker, they were kissing in the room, they described it,’ she revealed – refusing to go into any more detail.
But what could happen if their relationship is spread publicly in Halifax?
What has happened to Ben?
Thomas was acting very suspiciously tonight (Picture: BBC)
Estate manager Mr Washington has been growing concerned about his daughter Suzannah (Amy James-Kelly), who is married to Anne’s tenant Thomas Sowden (Tom Lewis).
Suzannah has become unhappy living with Thomas and his family, especially his uncle Ben (Anthony Flanagan), who viewers have seen raise concerns over the disappearance of his brother Sam, Thomas’ abusive father.
But now it’s Ben who’s nowhere to be seen and with Mr Washington probing his daughter Eliza tonight, it seems there are definitely some secrets still to come out.
‘He’s gone, yesterday for good,’ she told him, with her father replying: ‘Alright, well if he comes back, you come and see me, alright? If Thomas can’t deal with him, I can… where’s he gone?’
‘I don’t know, I don’t care, he’s just… gone,’ before viewers saw Thomas threatening his mother who was asking the same question – but is Ben still alive and well? Or has he met a sinister end?
Anne and Mariana finally reunite – but things are frosty
Mariana was not pleased with Anne’s casual arrival (Picture: BBC0
With her wife’s blessing, Lister travels to see Mariana once more, but she doesn’t get the warm reception she hopes for, with the latter revealing: ‘I’m wretched, I almost couldn’t face coming to see you.
‘You’ve got no idea what you’ve done to me… you’ve destroyed me. You misunderstood me on the way back from Hastings. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I’ve got dizzy spells,’ she told Lister.
Mariana went on to claim her former lover is ‘not in love’ with her new wife: ‘The way you write about it in your letters, I know when you’re not in love and this isn’t it… you’ve destroyed me and you’re not even in love.’
Could this reignite something in Lister she forgot was truly there all along? And ultimately, who will she choose?
Gentleman Jack continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
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Gentleman Jack has had quite the journey! (Picture: BBC)
The brains behind BBC’s Gentleman Jack theme tune, Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow, have revealed how their famous song inspired a name change for the series from writer Sally Wainwright.
So far in this series, we’ve seen Anne try to set up home at Shibden Hall for herself and her new wife Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle), as the pair try to discreetly navigate their romance back in 1834.
But there are further challenges ahead, with Walker’s mental health struggles continuing to feed in his time around, as well as Lister’s former flames popping up.
With the show now on its second series, there’s plenty of gossip from behind-the-scenes to explore, which Belinda, who performs the famous theme song – and more – for the series with her wife Heidi in folk duo O’Hooley and Tidow, took the time to divulge.
She explained to Metro.co.uk how the show was meant to have a very different name, and how they were approached by Sally to get involved heavily with the series.
They began songwriting and performing together back in 2009 (Picture: Dorset Bays Photography)
Suranne is incredible in the role of Anne Lister (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
’We wrote our song Gentlemen Jack for our 2012 album, Fragile,’ she shared. ‘We’d heard of Anne Lister from a friend and she told us all about the diaries and said that the disapproving residents of Halifax had given her a nickname.
‘When she said Gentlemen Jack, me and Heidi just looked at each other – we knew that was gonna make a great song.’
They wrote the track ‘really quickly’ with Belinda noting: ‘It was really enjoyable to write and we released our album in 2012. It was good really because it was a way of kind of sharing the fabulousness of Anne Lister with people who’d never heard of her. She never reached the history books and things like that.’
Fast forward to 2018, and writer Sally popped up at one of the pair’s gigs in Hebden Bridge, approaching Heidi to ask if she could use that track for her upcoming BBC drama ‘called Shibden’.
Yep, turns out the iconic name of the drama wasn’t in the pipeline at the very beginning.
The pair had been keen to work with Sally, after friends and fans had commented how well their music would fit into one of her programmes – but never thought it would actually happen.
‘The actual reality of that happening just seemed never gonna happen really unlikely. Just how do you get your music to her? It wasn’t us that got our music to her. She actually found us! It was such a pinch-me moment,’ Belinda commented.
Sally (centre) asked the pair if she could use their music in her upcoming show (Picture: Christel Dee)
Sally revealed to the pair she’d become obsessed with their song and had played it ‘1000s of times in the car’.
‘It inspired her in helping to sort of flesh out who Anne Lister was gonna be,’ Belinda continued. ‘Then she changed the name of the drama from Shibden to Gentlemen Jack because of our song. I feel like it’s had a major part to play in that fast walking that person you see with that attitude – some of it’s got to do with the attitude of the song.
‘In some ways, the programme really is Anne Lister. It’s about her attitude and her swagger. The name Gentleman Jack, even though it was used as an insult, it sounds like she’s taking it on.’
The pair became part of the writing process, with Sally keen to get them involved. As well as their song being used as the show’s theme, they create ‘little bespoke pieces’ to come in before the ending credits.
‘It’s instantly recognisable as our song, it might go off in a slightly different direction before it comes back to being our song as the credits roll. What I love about [Sally] is that she has incredibly she puts a lot of trust in you,’ Belinda added, even though the pair have never done any writing for film or TV before.
They also had to get a bit creative with the process: ‘Suddenly we’re getting phone calls from Sally saying, “I want quite a dark theme for this one, can you do something for me tomorrow?” And I’d be playing stuff down the telephone on the piano – it was quite makeshift, really. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it worked!’
The pair were lucky enough to be present on set during the filming of season one, including the rehearsal of the crucial scene where Lister and Walker shared the Eucharist.
But she warned it was ‘absolutely freezing’ throughout filming the special occasion, noting: ‘It was as cold as it could possibly be. We sat there wearing coats and hats and scarves and gloves and Suranne and Sophie were in period outfits, which are really not warm material, repeating scenes and doing things and trying different angles and all that kind of stuff.
The season one finale saw the pair share the Eucharist (Picture: BBC)
‘I just remember thinking, “People do not know the half of it”. When they watch a programme they don’t realise just how much work has gone into it. I was really amazed by their ability to withstand the cold – I don’t know if they had thermal underwear on!’
She also detailed just how much prep was done by leading lady Suranne, even before the cameras ever started rolling.
‘Sally and Suranne researched the role so much and even did rehearsals before they started filming it – which is quite unusual – to make sure that Suranne really got exactly how she wanted to portray Anne Lister to talk it through and try things out.
The pair navigate their relationship with a less than understanding crowd in Halifax (Picture: PA)
‘Everything from her amazing acting to the way she looks in the costumes, the photography. It really feels like a tour de force.’
Meanwhile, Belinda also praised the incredible impact the show has had on the LGBTQ+ community, with Lister often recognised as the first true modern lesbian.
‘I don’t think anyone imagined that the story of Anne Lister would be on national television on a Sunday night at 9pm on BBC One – prime time – because she was seen as an embarrassment. Halifax saw her as an embarrassment, someone that they needed to conceal and not talk about.’
Lister famously kept much of her diaries in code in order to conceal details of her relationships, and there were attempts to burn them because of the subject matter they contained.
Joanna Scanlan’s Tib (R) is among the new additions for season 2 (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Sam Taylor)
‘We thought she was just such an inspirational strong woman and she’s done something incredible,’ Belinda remarked. ‘We really wanted [her story] to start to be told, and we were on the ground level by singing her a song about her at gigs and things like that, but it was never going to be anything massive.
‘But Sally said to us it is because of her success with things like Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley that the BBC, she reached a point where they said to her, basically, you can do what you want. She said, “Right, well, I want to do something about Anne Lister because it’s been a passion of Sally’s for years and years and years”.’
Sally had ‘always wanted’ to write the Yorkshire-based series, but knew it would be ‘expensive’ due to being a period drama – and wanted to make sure it was ‘done properly’.
‘It was the right time really,’ Belinda continued. ‘Me and Heidi, when we turn the television on and watch on Sunday, there’s a feeling of, it’s time people knew about people like Anne, that she’s not shoved into a cupboard somewhere! [Instead] that she is glorious, and she is celebrated.
‘It’s amazing that it’s a multimillion-pound period drama, but she’s at the middle of it and she is a Sunday night – what a celebration.’
Gentleman Jack airs Sundays at 9pm on BBC One.
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Season two of the hit BBC show returned last month, set weeks after the union of Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) and Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle).
However, it’s not gone without any hiccups, considering the pair have had to keep the true nature of their relationship a secret from the prying eyes of Halifax.
Last week, fans saw Lister betray her wife with former flame Mariana Lawton (Lydia Leonard), as the businesswoman gave into temptation, despite previously promising her commitment to Walker.
Elsewhere, Lister returned home after her visit to finally tell her partner she loved her, which came just hours after her infidelity.
But at the end of the instalment, we saw the entrepreneur warned by a fellow resident, ‘watch out, Gentleman Jack.’
Here’s everything you need to know about what the programme’s famous title means.
What does Gentlemen Jack mean?
Lister is regarded as the ‘first modern lesbian’ (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
The title is actually a reference to the name Lister was given during her life by her neighbours, who ridiculed her appearance and sexual preferences – with the ‘Gentleman’ referring to her masculine appearance and ‘Jack’ being another word for ‘lesbian’ in that era.
Series creator Sally Wainwright has previously explained the meaning behind the name, pointing out that in Yorkshire at that time it was far from complimentary. ‘It was either very vulgar language like that or sensitive posh language like “wintering in Rome”,’ she said.
Sally continued: ‘Lesbian’ wasn’t a word then, there was no community, there was no blueprint for what she was doing. She was just being herself because that’s what she says nature intended.
‘She could only love the fairer sex. And as you’re playing her, you just become aware that you have a right to be a person, you have a right to be who you are. Regardless of your sexuality.’
Folk duo O’Hooley and Tidow with Suranne Jones (centre) (Picture: Christel Dee)
But Sally changed her mind after hearing folk duo O’Hooley and Tidow’s song of the same name, which she decided she wanted to use for the show, and led her to change the name.
What era is the show set in?
Season two of the programme takes place in 1834, meaning we’re firmly in the Regency era.
The show takes place across Yorkshire, mainly based in York and Halifax, where Lister’s home was.
Today Shibden is open to the public, so Gentleman Jack fans can see for themselves where she wrote her famous diaries.
Gentleman Jack continues tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
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Find out exactly where all these beautiful locations can be found (Picture: PA/Alamy)
Series 2 of Gentleman Jack is well and truly underway, with Suranne Jones continuing to wow viewers with her portrayal of the fiery Anne Lister.
The BBC series sees the Doctor Foster actress star opposite Peaky Blinders’ Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker, with the pair now living together at Anne’s family home in Shibden.
Anne and Ann are continuing to navigate the trials and tribulations of a secret lesbian romance in 1834, whether that’s Ann’s mental health struggles, appearances from Anne’s former flames, or disapproving comments from their relatives.
As the episodes continue there is, understandably, a great deal of interest in where the show is filmed, with some truly picturesque locations popping up on our screens in recent weeks.
Luckily, we have all the answers for you, which might come in handy should you find yourself near York and wanting to see the filming locations with your own eyes.
Shibden Hall
The real Shibden Estate is used for filming throughout the show, and fans can visit (Picture: Shutterstock/Alastair Wallace)
Series 2 of Gentleman Jack is set in Halifax with the episodes filmed widely across Yorkshire, including at the iconic historic home where Anne Lister (known now as the first modern lesbian) actually lived.
The Hall is shut down for public visits during filming months but, at all other times of the year, fans of Gentleman Jack are free to take a stroll around its beautiful gardens and see the very room where Anne and Ann slept.
Ms Lister inherited the medieval manor on the outskirts of Halifax from her aunt and she lived there until her death in 1840.
Vigil star Suranne has spoken previously about what it was like to film in the diarist’s home, saying: ‘When I’m walking in Anne Lister’s footsteps, I am literally walking into her house, eating in her dining room, doing business deals where she did business deals, surveying the same land, and walking where she walked.’
However, not all scenes based at Shibden were shot in the original house. For example, Anne’s original bedroom was too small to squeeze the whole crew into, so the set was recreated in a studio.
The Shibden Estate boasts some magnificent architecture that is all available for fans’ viewing pleasure today, such as the staircase we frequently see Anne sprinting up and down, the family dining room, and the study where Ms Lister transcribed her famous journal entries.
Sutton Park
Gentleman Jack was filmed across York (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
We couldn’t mention Anne Lister’s home without talking about where her wife lived, well, before she moved into Shibden, much to the dismay of her family.
Sutton Park is an early Georgian estate, situated in the village of Sutton-in-the-Forest just eight miles north of York
In Gentleman Jack, it is where Ann Walker lives and it truly is a feast for the eye.
Fans will by now be familiar with its very delicate and pretty interior, including pink soft furnishings, gilt mirrors and magnificent plasterwork.
Anne and Ann enjoyed many a rendezvous in Ann’s home, even risking getting caught on several occasions.
Saltaire
Most locations are open for the public to visit (Picture: PA)
Saltaire will soon feel like a home away from home for Sophie, since it is also where Peaky Blinders has filmed.
The Yorkshire village was transformed into a TV set last spring, with a cobbled courtyard at Salts Mill being used to film a Victorian street scene.
When cameras arrived at the village last April, fans gathered in a crowd to catch a glimpse of the goings-on, with locals hoping it would raise the profile of Saltaire and encourage more tourism.
Harewood House Estate
Season 2 is well and truly underway, with Anne and Ann’s romance developing (Picture: PA)
This Estate in Leeds was used for its land in Gentleman Jack.
While the house itself does not feature in the show, the exterior was used as the setting of a Southolm Farm.
Fans of GJ might know it as the farm where Thomas Snowden proposed to now-wife Suzannah Washington in series 1.
Fairfax House
This incredible building in York was originally a townhouse.
Now a museum, it was used to film interior scenes of Anne’s former lover Vere Hobart’s home.
Broughton Hall
Based in Skipton, this North Yorkshire estate now provides getaways in cottages for those in need of a few nights away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
However, for Gentleman Jack, it was used to film scenes set at the Black Swan Inn.
The show has been taken to viewers’ hearts since it began (Picture: PA)
Bramham Estate
Bramham Estate was used to show the surrounding area of where the Lister family lived until the early 19th century.
It is located between Leeds and Tadcaster and features as the outside of Skelfer House, a farmhouse west of Market Weighton, where Anne and her sister Marian (Gemma Whelan) often ride into.
Other filming locations
And that isn’t all, as it turns out filming for Gentleman Jack took place all over the place, not just in York.
For example, camera crew and actors were taken further afield, to the likes of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Copenhagen City Hall was used for scenes alongside the royal chambers at Gavnø Castle.
Other filming locations include other grand country estates in Yorkshire, as well as Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, Langton Hall in Malton, Grays Court in York, Oakwell Hall in Birstall, and Temple Newsham in Leeds.
Gentleman Jack continues Sundays at 9pm on BBC One.
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It’s been a wild week for Anne Lister (Picture: BBC)
Gentleman Jack saw Marian Lister met with a mixed reception when she revealed she was set to wed – but it seems someone else might have got there first.
This culminated in a passionate reunion in episode four, where the pair slept together when Lister finally gave in during a visit to Lawton Hall.
However, she immediately seemed to regret her betrayal of her wife Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle), promising she would never leave her again upon her return to Shibden.
This week, fans saw Walker grow increasingly suspicious of what happened during her partner’s trip, while someone else has suspicions of their own when it comes to true nature of Walker and Lister’s relationship – ending with a marriage announcement in the paper.
Meanwhile, Marian (Gemma Whelan) was scolded by her sister when she revealed she planned to marry Mr Abbott (John Hollingworth), who the rest of the family disapproved of.
Ann Walker is becoming increasingly suspicious of her wife (Picture: BBC)
It came amid clear concerns for Aunt Anne Lister’s (Gemma Jones) deteriorating health, and the election frenzy resulting in riots in Halifax – here’s a recap of what happened in episode five.
Elizabeth takes action – but who’s really behind the move?
Walker has been trying to get her division of the estate sorted, so that she can properly carve out a life with Lister.
However, things took another complicated turn this week when she received correspondence from her sister Elizabeth (Katherine Kelly), revealing her plans for their assets.
The letter revealed planned evictions of current tenants, which left Walker concerned about who was behind the idea: ‘I worry about Elizabeth, I’ll never forget that look on her face last time I was in Scotland, she was terrified, I bet there were consequences after I left.
Revealing her suspicions, she shared: ‘If you read the letter closely, you can feel his influence right through it. Little expressions I k now she’d never use
‘The ridiculous delay on responding, that’s him and the distresses to not even discuss it with me before sending an order like that, he’s trying to undermine me, make me thin I’ve asked for something unreasonable
‘Thats very cunning if he’[s done it to coincide with the election, but we’ll ride the storm together. As long as you get what you want art the end of it, it’ll be worth it,’ Lister replied – but will they finally manage to get Walker what she rightly deserves?
Aunt Anne Lister’s health worsens
Dr Sunderland (Tony Gardner) paid Aunt Anne Lister a visit as she remains predominately bedbound by her ailments.
He told Lister of her aunt: ‘The sore is getting larger, her pulse, I’m happy enough with. If she gets through the rest of the winter, I’,m confident she’ll be with us a little while longer yet.’
But Lister later urged her sister not to reveal news of her engagement, it’s clear there’s concern about her health in the months to come, and whether she’ll survive.
Marian reveals her engagement
Marian’s engagement news was not quite met with the congratulations she would have been hoping for.
Announcing her plans to her beloved sister, she said: ‘I shouldn’t wish to deceive you any longer and of course, you are free to Mrs Walker, as she is now part of the family. Father knows too, I told him this afternoon. I have made up my mind to marry Mr Abbott, he has about £2,000 a year before you point out from wool, which if we were to have children wouldn’t be as much as we would hope to, so his intention is to continue his business her in Halifax.
‘Well, you know what I think, you know what I’m going to say, I think you’re making a grave mistake,’ Lister replied, before reminding her there were ‘no circumstances’ under which she would ever inherit Shibden, and urged her to make that clear to her fiancé.
‘You would be marrying so far beneath you Marian, ours is one of the oldest in Halifax, if you insist on this social mismatch you must understand there can be no further communication between us and all ties must be permanently severed, ms walker and I would not attend the wedding,’ she warned her.
But will Marian go through with the wedding?
Walker has her doubts
Fans saw Lister sleep with Mariana when she visited Lawton, after weeks of intense letter writing between the pair…
But Walker now is unsure of Lister’s actions, telling her: ‘You’ve been so attentive since you came back from Lawton Hall. What made you say, “I won’t leave you again,” the moment you got back? When you came back from Lawton, it was the first thing you said.’
‘Only that I’d missed you,’ Lister promised. ‘I didn’t realise quite so much until my eyes fell upon you.’
But her partner was less convinced, sharing: ‘It just struck me when you’ve said it and you’ve not talked about Mrs Lawton since, not once.’
‘You are the only person who matters to me now, this is the future, our future here. You and me,’ Lister replied.
Will the businesswoman ever be able to reveal the truth of her betrayal to her wife?
Who’s playing Lister?
After an intense instalment involving political chaos and riots in Halifax as a result, there was a huge revelation to come in the closing moments.
Mr Washington (Joe Armstrong) called at Shibden to discuss the rents of Walker’s tenants, who were to be evicted, however, he had some more news in store when he flashed the announcement section of a local newspaper.
Reading out the latest marriages, he said: ‘The marriages of Wednesday last… Captain Tom Lister to Ms Anne Walker of Crow Nest.’
This clearly alluded to the union of Walker and Lister, meaning someone is attempting to expose their true relationship, but the pair both played it down.
‘What? It’s a joke, it’s a skit,’ Lister responded, with her wife adding: ‘I suppose it’s quite confusing. It’s very good, it’s very funny. You’ll have to let us have it, Mr Washington, when you’re finished with it.’
But who was behind the mysterious announcement? And who’s got it in for Anne Lister? The list is already pretty long…
Gentleman Jack continues next Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
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Gentleman Jack is beginning to near the conclusion of an epic season 2, as family tensions heighten and a scorned Mariana’s meddling is only just getting started.
Last week’s tense instalment revealed a mystery figure is plotting against Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) after news of her secret union with Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) was sent to the papers in York.
Elsewhere, Marian (Gemma Whelan) was scolded by her sister when she revealed she planned to marry Mr Abbott (John Hollingworth), who the rest of the family disapproved of, and Aunt Anne Lister’s (Gemma Jones) deteriorating health continued to be of concern, while the election frenzy resulting in riots in Halifax.
In Sunday night’s episode, there was a shocking death in the form of Mr Sunderland (Tony Gardner), amid continuing political tensions, as well as the mystery to be solved of who is trying to ruin Walker and Lister’s life as each other’s companions.
But with new revelations emerging from both sides of the family, here’s a recap of what happened in episode six.
Mr Sunderland dies as political clashes continue
Mr Sunderland’s death was announced in episode six (Picture: BBC)
Marian announces the sudden death of Aunt Anne Lister’s doctor, Mr Sunderland: ’We’ve just had a note from Dr Kinney, he was with him all last night, him and Dr Chubb, and then he died just after midnight.
‘Gout of the stomach,’ she revealed, before going on to add: ‘Apparently he was knocked down in after the election results, he must have been caught up and banged his head… they think he was trampled on.’
But with Lister planning on getting involved in further elections in a serious way, could she be exposing her family and those closest to her to more danger?
Who leaked the news of Lister and Walker’s union?
Could Mariana be behind the leak? (Picture: BBC)
Lister’s father Jeremy Lister (Timothy West) found himself dragged into the saga of the marriage announcement, after being sent a snippet from one of the York papers.
While he reassured his daughter no one else had read it, he gave some harsh words in response, telling her: ‘If you didn’t draw attention to how odd you are, they wouldn’t do these things.’
Meanwhile, Mariana (Lydia Leonard) later hinted she may have been the one behind the surprise announcement, even if her former lover doesn’t realise it yet.
Aunt Ann Walker admits to sidelining her niece
Aunt Ann Walker revealed the truth of her intentions in her will (Picture: BBC)
Walker reluctantly paid a visit to her elderly aunt in order to set the record straight on her intentions for her share of the estate. But Aunt Ann offered up no sympathy, reminding Walker she made Lister her executor last year.
This led to an awkward development, as she told her aunt of Lister: ‘I made her my executor, but I wouldn’t change the contents [of my will] without telling you, even if others have behaved as they had,’
Her relative responded: ‘I had imagined with all this talk, you had already changed the will itself in Ms Lister’s favour.’
Then came the ultimate revelation from Aunt Ann, who added: ‘I changed mine when you moved into Shibden, I removed you from it, for Elizabeth’s favour.’
So, what does this mean for Walker’s wealth and security, as well as being able to secure a future with her spouse?
Further secrets emerge from Lister’s past
Who is Eliza Raine? (Picture: BBC)
Walker receives a letter from a mysterious new pen pal, warning her about her partner, and urging her to get away from Lister.
‘Dear Ms Walker, I fear this may not reach you but if it does, I urge you under no circumstances to show it to Ms Lister. Bad luck,’ read Lister.
‘However much you believe this woman to be your friend, I tell you plainly, she is not. Are you really unaware of the unspeakable reputation this woman has? I see she has already cut you off from your family and friends, please believe me when I tell you, you are in the gravest danger. She will beguile you and before you know it she will have tricked you out of all you have,’ it read, before going on to mention a blast from the past, Eliza Raine.
Lister admitted to her partner: ‘Eliza’s been in an asylum in York for the last 20 odd years and I visit her occasionally for old time’s sake but she is violent… she’s attacked me more than once. She could never live independently the way she is.’
But how significant really is the troubled woman in Lister’s life now, and will we find out the real reason for her admission to an asylum?
Walker makes a major decision
Walker admitted she would love to have children (Picture: BBC)
Earlier on in season two, we saw Walker’s family try to set her up with a family friend, but she refused to take hand in marriage.
However, she had other familial wishes of her own, which Lister could not grant in 1834, with the pair finding themselves in a spat over children.
Walker admitted: ‘I always imagined one day I would have children of my own… somehow I had imagined being… a mother, but not being with a man.’
‘It is a great sadness we can’t have children,’ her partner replied. ‘It’s something I can never give you just as we can never have a piece of paper to say we can have a legal union, neither can we have the bond a child would give us.’ Lister said as she delivered an impassioned plea for ‘certainty’ of Walker’s commitment, knowing kids were firmly off the table.
‘I want to be with you more than anything more in the whole world,’ Walker responded, before telling her wife she’d start packing for their latest visit to York.
Trouble in paradise averted… for now.
Gentleman Jack continues on Sundays at 9pm on BBC One.
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There are only two episodes left to go of Gentleman Jack season 2… and fans can’t wait to discover how the story of Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) will continue to unfold.
In last week’s episode, it turned out that someone had revealed Anne’s union with Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) to the papers in York, while the titular character’s former flame Marianna Lawton (Lydia Leonard) hinted that she may have been behind the leak.
It’s been an eventful season to say the least, with many fans hoping that future instalments will be confirmed after the finale airs next week.
While in attendance at the Sky Up Next event in London, A Christmas Carol star Suranne was asked by Metro.co.uk what viewers can expect from the final two episodes of season two.
‘I think it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for looking in detail at a same-sex relationship and all of the hardships and societal pressures that they’ve had,’ the actor said in response.
‘We haven’t shied away from any of that.’
What does Anne have up her sleeve for the final two episodes? (Picture: Lookout Point/BBC/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
Suranne added that while they ‘still have the fun of the characters’, they’ve ‘really looked in detail’ at their relationships and the way in which societal expectations impacted their connections.
‘I think Sally’s done a really good job at doing that,’ she added, referring to creator and writer Sally Wainwright.
Suranne opened up on how much a ‘rollercoaster’ the season had been (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Being a historical drama, one of the most important aspects of Gentleman Jack is, of course, the costumes, with Anne wearing garments typically associated with men of the era.
Suranne said that she felt it was a ‘real privilege’ that all of her costumes for the programme were made specifically by her by a company called Cosprop in London.
Sophie Rundle stars as Anne’s wife, Ann Walker (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Sam Taylor/PA)
She also explained the effect the ensembles had on her the minute she put them on, as they helped her embody the real-life individual.
‘It’s beautiful. As soon as I put that costume on, I really become her,’ she said.
In 1834, Anne and Ann were married in a lesbian church wedding at Holy Trinity Church in York.
Creator Sally previously spoke about how special it was to depict Anne on screen, with the landowner having written about her life in heavily-coded diaries that were only deciphered after her death.
‘It’s a beautifully rich, complicated, surprising love story. To bring Anne Lister to life on-screen is the fulfilment of an ambition I’ve had for 20 years,’ she said.
Referring to Anne’s famous estate, she added: ‘Shibden Hall is a place I have known and loved since I was a child.’
Gentleman Jack returns tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Gentleman Jack star Suranne Jones has addressed the possibility of the acclaimed BBC drama returning for more seasons after series 2… and she certainly sounds keen.
In the series, Suranne stars as real-life historical figure Anne Lister, who was regarded as ‘the first modern lesbian’ and opened up about her love life in heavily coded diaries, that weren’t deciphered until after her death.
She was married to a woman called Ann Walker, played by Sophie Rundle in the programme, while Ten Percent star Lydia Leonard also stars as Anne’s former flame Marianna Lawton.
Metro.co.uk recently spoke to Suranne at the Sky Up Next event, with the actor expressing her excitement over starring as a female version of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
With only two episodes left to air for the second series of Gentleman Jack, we asked the star about what the future could hold for the historical drama.
‘We don’t know! We’re just kind of like, it’s in the hands of BBC and HBO so I’m sure there’ll be talks now,’ she said.
Suranne sounded eager to continue Anne’s story (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
However, Suranne added that it appears the demand is certainly there from audiences.
‘I know all the fans really want it, Sally really wants to write it,’ she said, referring to the show’s creator and writer Sally Wainwright.
However, in the end, certain factors need to be taken into account before anything can be confirmed.
Could Anne be back in future? (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spin/PA)
‘So as with anything, has there been enough people watching it? Is there enough need for it? I think there is, but yeah… let’s see,’ she stated.
Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) and Anne shared a historic lesbian wedding (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spin/PA)
Anne’s former flame Marianna Lawton (Lydia Leonard) still has a looming presence (Picture: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spin/PA)
In real life, the moniker Gentleman Jack was a name that Anne was given by her neighbours, who mocked her sexual orientation and her appearance.
‘Gentleman’ referred to the masculine way in which she dressed, while ‘Jack’ was another word used to refer to a lesbian at that time.
Sally previously opened up about the significance of the title, referring to the title as she said: ‘It was either very vulgar language like that or sensitive posh language like “wintering in Rome”.’
While the title of the drama bears a lot of meaning, it was originally supposed to be called Shibden, after Anne’s estate Shibden Hall.
Gentleman Jack returns tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Gentleman Jack fans are struggling to see how everything will be neatly tied up in next Sunday’s season finale, instead predicting an infuriating cliffhanger.
In recent weeks, fans have got to entrepreneur Lister settle into married life with wife Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle), but things haven’t run as smoothly as they hoped.
While Ann has experience troubles with her family, her tour de force partner has seen her former partner Marianna Lawton (Lydia Leonard) desperate to get her away from her new love.
Of course, this has all taken place while trying to keep the true nature of their romantic a secret from the prying eyes of Halifax locals in the 1830s.
But with just one episode left of the current season before it comes to a close, fans are convinced there’s a momentous cliffhanger to come, as loose ends still remain.
Taking to Twitter after the penultimate instalment, avid viewers weighed in with their predictions for next week.
There was plenty more drama this week, and plenty more hats (Picture: BBC)
The series has been running for the past couple of months (Picture: Lookout Point/HBO,BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spinks)
One shared: ‘Sally will 100% leave S2 on a cliffhanger to encourage an S3 renewal and I am 100% not ready for it #GentlemanJack
Another echoed: ‘Oh my God. I’m just coming to terms with the fact that there’s only one episode to finish season two. Please don’t give us a cliffhanger 🥺😨 #GentlemanJack.’
‘Lots of tension between the Ann(e)s in Ep7. 😢 And we know they have another fight (at least one) in the last episode. Not feeling good about this. Are we headed for a cliffhanger? #GentlemanJack2 #GentlemanJack,’ someone else added.
A fan replied: ‘Omg, this is my biggest fear. But if it leads to season 3 I will endure it. #GentlemanJack.’
Sally (centre) is keen to write more stories for Anne Lister (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
‘There best be a season 3 of #GentlemanJack cos I’m literally on edge of my seat watching every ep this season! #gentlemanjack2,’ commented a viewer.
It comes after leading lady Suranne told us how while she’s hopeful for more, the cast isn’t yet in the know about whether there is more in the pipeline.
At the Sky Up Next event, she shared with Metro.co.uk: ‘We don’t know! We’re just kind of like, it’s in the hands of BBC and HBO so I’m sure there’ll be talks now,’ she said.
Suranne did go on to stress how there is a definite desire for more amongst fans.
‘I know all the fans really want it, Sally really wants to write it,’ she said, referring to the show’s creator and writer Sally Wainwright.
‘So as with anything, has there been enough people watching it? Is there enough need for it? I think there is, but yeah… let’s see,’ she concluded.
But with a season three yet to be announced, you’ll have to watch this space for a little bit longer to find out what’s next for our favourite 1800s couple.
Gentleman Jack concludes on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
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In recent weeks, the BBC drama has shared insight into the first few months of married life after Walker (Sophie Rundle) and Lister’s (Suranne Jones) secret union.
However, with it being 1834, not everything has gone as smoothly as they might have hoped, culminating in Lister briefly rekindling her romance with ex-lover Marianna Lawton (Lydia Leonard) when she paid her a visit to Lawton Hall.
Ever since, Lister has kept the passionate night a secret, failing to tell Walker what really happened.
But in Sunday night’s finale, she will finally be questioned by her partner on her stay at Lawton Hall,
In a clip exclusively shared with Metro.co.uk, the pair are in a tense exchange on the way back to London, and it’s clear Walker isn’t happy with her wife’s attitude.
Walker finally calls her wife out (Picture: BBC)
Uh-oh (Picture: BBC)
Lister lists off all the things her partner got to enjoy during their stay, including ‘a trip to the dentist’ as she reminded her it was a chance to get away.
‘No, it wasn’t. It was for you to see your friends,’ Walker retorted, leading Lister to hit back: ‘Oh, so none of those other things happened.’
‘I won’t be sifted for money,’ her wife responded. ‘We said our arrangement would be as good as a marriage.’
Lister came back fighting (Picture: BBC)
‘As far as it could be, yes,’ Lister noted.
In a very assertive response, Walker said: ’You should have taken me to see your friends.
‘I am your wife when it’s convenient when you need money, in bed, but when it comes to your aristocratic people, I’m an inconvenience.
Walker didn’t back down (Picture: BBC)
She then brought up Marianna, leading a surprised Lister to repeat her ex’s name back to her partner.
‘I know there was more to it, that night when you came back from Lawton Hall,’ Walker said. ‘The damage is done, I’ve seen you in your true colours.’
But Lister came back fighting: ‘I got you an appointment with the king’s surgeon. Not only because he’s the king’s surgeon but because he’s also the leading expert in jaw pain, which I bothered to find out for you.
‘Those are my true colours.’
However, as the cracks only continue to get worse, will the pair manage to heal their rift and continue with their marriage?
Gentleman Jack continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
