BBC 'in discussions' with 'Gentleman Jack' creator after series is dropped by HBO

Suranne Jones' Gentleman Jack has been axed by HBO - but it seems there is hope for it yet.

The series – in which Jones plays Regency landowner Anne Lister, who is regarded as the “first modern lesbian” - is a co-production between HBO and the BBC.

The American network has decided to end its involvement in the show, but the BBC said it is in talks with the show’s creator Sally Wainwright.

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A spokeswoman said: “We are tremendously proud of Gentleman Jack, a show which has made a huge cultural impact, and we are in discussions with Sally about what’s next.”

The series, which is set in 1830s Yorkshire, is based on Lister’s diaries.

It started in 2019 and the second series aired earlier this year.

Jones has told of her sadness at the news.

"I have never been involved in a show that has made such a huge impact and touched my heart like this one has," she wrote on Instagram.

"It wasn’t always the easiest job I’ve had… but it was always worth it to see the response it got.

"THANK YOU for all your support."

Saying she wanted to take a moment "to reflect on our beautiful journey making this show", Jones said it "has brought so many together, enabled people to share their stories, brought joy, emotion and creativity and gave me a real connection to you as its audience".

She also thanked her co-star Sophie Rundle and everyone else involved.

"To our cast and crew who are just so talented and beautiful and finally I love you @sophiesophierundle, you are a true friend and a total star," she said.

Announcing its decision, HBO told Deadline in a statement: “HBO will not be moving forward with a third season of Gentleman Jack.

"When we began this journey more than five years ago, we knew the series’ creator Sally Wainwright had a uniquely compelling vision, and it’s been tremendously gratifying to see how Anne Lister’s journey has resonated with viewers.

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“We are incredibly grateful to Sally, to the impeccable Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle, and to the entire cast and crew for bringing Anne and Ann’s story to life.”

Additional reporting from PA.

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