Gentleman Jack fans have heaped praise on Suranne Jones for her portrayal of Anne Lister in the BBC One period drama as she strode - quite literally - back onto our screens this weekend. Viewers have flooded Twitter with compliments for the 43-year-old actress with many saying they couldn't imagine anyone else playing the iconic role.
The series, written by Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax), tells the life of Yorkshire businesswoman, landowner and 'first modern lesbian' Anne Lister and returned to BBC One on Sunday, April 10 - three years since series one first aired. In 2019, the finale ended with Anne marrying Ann Walker in a private wedding ceremony.
Sophie Rundle, 33, has reprised her role as Ann Walker in the new series, which has once again been based of the real life -partially coded - diaries of Anne Lister. Set in 1834, the second instalment will explore the couple set up home together at Shibden Hall in a bid to combine their estates - already causing a stir with locals - and Anne's range of new business ideas continue to be endless.
The hotly anticipated return has been teased with fans for months and following the first episode, viewers were keen to praise leading star Suranne Jones - who regularly breaks the fourth wall as Anne Lister. Louise tweeted: "Great to have #GentlemanJack back on. Wonderful cast and Suranne Jones is fantastic. Love when she speaks to camera too! Well done all! @BBC". "Suranne Jones owns that part entirely, and the writing is superb. #GentlemanJack" Sue tweeted.
Jennifer Johnson added: "Absolutely amazing #gentlemanjack loved the first episode, Suranne Jones brilliant has ever, love the way she looks at the camera, as though she is letting us in on a secret" and Saffron Kim said: "Suranne Jones is magnificent! #GentlemanJack"
Fisher-Brignall said: "#GentlemanJack Suranne Jones owns the role of Anne Lister. Those subtle looks at the camera and rapid eye blinking." whilst Fritha tweeted: "Suranne Jones is mesmeric as Anne Lister in #GentlemanJack. Completely captivating and commits fully to any given role. One of the finest actors of her generation."
"The excellent Suranne Jones is a absolute joy to watch in #GentlemanJack2," Denise posted: "She is taking the fabulous writing of Sally Wainwright and having a romp with it!! #gentlemanjack @BBCOne". Elcano added: "Can you imagine anyone else in the role of #GentlemanJack than Suranne Jones. I can't. If this series was a movie she would surely be Oscar nominated."
Gentleman Jack continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, April 17 from 9pm. You can catch up on the first series and episode one of series two over on the BBC iPlayer.
