Fans of BBC series Gentleman Jack have taken to Twitter to demand its return, using the hashtag #SaveGentlemanJack. On Friday it was announced by co-producers HBO that the show would be axed after only two seasons on air, leaving fans devastated.
The period drama, set in the 1930s, follows the real-life story of landowner, pioneer and “gender-nonconforming entrepreneur”, Anne Lister, played by former Coronation Street star Suranne Jones, 43. She stars alongside Sophie Rundle, 34, as Ann Walker, who plays Lister’s wife.
Following the news fans of the show shared their shock at HBO's decision to cancel the show. One fan, @ALBW20201, tweeted: "Sally Wainwright brought us a beautiful show about #AnneLister, a strong, lesbian woman who lived life on HER terms! We need more of this! #SaveGentlemanJack."
Read More: Suranne Jones issues statement as her BBC show is axed leaving fans 'devastated'
Another fan shared that she had even been studying the "Gentleman Jack effect", with the show's lesbian representation having a huge impact. The Twitter user, @saz_wingrove, wrote: "I'm literally doing a university-funded studentship on Anne Lister and her fans because of Gentleman Jack! This show has had such an immense and far-reaching impact and to lose it, to lose her now when we're really just getting started would be a great shame so #SaveGentlemanJack.
One fan, @Gemified, called for others to get writing to HBO: "Time to use your own words to craft a well-worded letter to help #SaveGentlemanJack by letting @HBO and @BBCOne know why #GentlemanJack is so important to us all (further details available in thread). Thank you @PatEsgate for putting this campaign together."
Twitter user @Undertheivys wrote: "There is no one like her on our screens. Enough said! The 'Gentleman Jack Effect'"
Suranne, who plays Gentleman Jack, took to Instagram with a lengthy statement following the news. She wrote: “I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on our beautiful journey making this show. While it is sad news Gentleman Jack will not be renewed, this show has brought so many together.
"It has enabled people to share their stories, brought joy, emotion and creativity and gave me a real connection to you as its audience.
“Anne Lister now has a statue in the Piece Hall. There is a Blue plaque in Holy Trinity church yard celebrating Anne and Ann’s union in 1834. There is a college named after Anne Lister on the east campus at the University of York.
"Shibden now has more visitors than ever before and you will find Anne Lister walks, tours and trails galore when visiting Halifax and its surrounding areas.
“I have never been involved in a show that has made such a huge impact and touched my heart like this one has. It wasn’t always the easiest job I’ve had… but it was always worth it to see the response it got."
She concluded her post: "THANK YOU for all your support. Thank you to Sally Wainwright for bringing us this amazing story and passion. Thank you to @lindaviemakeup and @tompye33 for the stunning work over both seasons and to our design team who blew me away on set everyday.
"To our cast and crew who are just so talented and beautiful and finally I love you @sophiesophierundle." She added: "You are a true friend and a total star. Love Suranne."
A bloopers reel from the show’s second series accompanied the statement. HBO confirmed that they would be dropping the show to Deadline last week: "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.
"It's been tremendously gratifying to see how Anne Lister's journey has resonated with viewers."
The statement continued: "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."
The show has been credited with helping many gay women to be open about their sexuality. Anne Lister was dubbed Gentleman Jack because in the 1800s Jack was slang for a gay woman - she was also gender non-conforming, dressing in black and wearing a top hat.
Anne is often referred to as the “first modern lesbian”. In her diaries - all 27 volumes of which are written in code - she explicitly chronicled her string of female lovers and erotic encounters.
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