'Gentleman Jack' series 2 first-look pics: Joanna Scanlan as Suranne Jones' ex

Gentleman Jack series two has released some first-look pictures, showing Joanna Scanlan guest starring as Suranne Jones' character's ex.

The period drama stars Jones as Anne Lister, a 19th Century Yorkshire businesswoman as well known for her relationships with women as her entrepreneurial skills.

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Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax creator Sally Wainwright wrote the drama from Lister's real-life diaries, partly recorded in code, with the whole storyline featuring true events.

The series is set to return to BBC One this spring and will welcome The Larkins and The Thick Of It star Scanlan as Lister's outrageous ex, Isabella "Tib" Norcliffe, seen in character for the first time in the images.

Her arrival could cause trouble for Lister and Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle), who by the series opening in 1834 are living as a married couple at Shibden Hall.

They are hoping to become a local power couple by combining their estates, but with all eyes on the new wife and wife, their openness about their sexuality makes as many waves as their business plans.

Meanwhile, Halifax is on the verge of revolution, but Lister's refusal to keep a low profile becomes provocative and dangerous.

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Other stars featuring in the production pictures include Gemma Whelan as Marian Lister and Lydia Leonard as Mariana Lawton.

Also returning for Gentleman Jack series two are Gemma Jones as Aunt Anne Lister, Timothy West as Jeremy Lister, Jodhi May as Lady Vere Cameron, Katherine Kelly as Elizabeth Sutherland, Derek Riddell as Captain George Sutherland, and Stephanie Cole as Aunt Ann Walker, as well as many other familiar faces from series one.

Gentleman Jack was a hit for BBC One when it debuted in 2019 and was nominated in several categories at the Baftas, so its return in the spring is eagerly awaited by fans.

Watch: Sally Lindsay on creating Scott & Bailey with Suranne Jones