Suranne Jones loves the fact that her Gentleman Jack character has become a global gay icon and “changed people’s lives”.
And she is back as the lesbian landowner for series two on BBC One tomorrow night.
Suranne, 43, said: “The fact that it’s changed people’s lives is extraordinary. This is something that can start a conversation with people that perhaps they wouldn’t have had tools to do before. So it’s an amazing thing to be part of.”
The period drama, written by Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, is based on the racy diaries of posh Yorkshire businesswoman and adventurer Anne Lister, who wore black like a man and was dubbed Gentleman Jack by locals.
In the diaries, she detailed her secret love affairs with aristocrats, her “wedding” to heiress Ann Walker in the 1830s and their life at Shibden Hall near Halifax.
Suranne said: “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.”
The show has become an international cult hit since the first series came out in 2019 and Anne is often described as Britain’s first modern lesbian.
During the London launch of the second series, Suranne heard from an audience member who came out as a trans man after seeing her portrayal.
The former Coronation Street star replied: “Thank you for loving us and appreciating us and bringing us into your life.
“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.”
Suranne’s own icon is her late mum and she is also inspired by actresses including Julie Walters and Meryl Streep.
She also revealed her character’s swaggering walk was based on Liam Gallagher.
“I would walk around the rehearsal room going from straight and upright to Liam Gallagher,” she said.
“In season two she’s got her wife, she’s setting up her life, she’s getting the business, she’s spending her money. She’s not just on fire – she’s dangerous.”
As well as being the first gay character of her kind, colliery-owning Anne is also the first Tory of her kind, says Suranne.
“We haven’t seen a Tory like this that we’re all kind of fascinated by,” she said.
“We’re not supposed to like her all the time. Whatever your politics are, I think it’s fascinating to see a character like this with her politics.”
Gentleman Jack starts on BBC One at 9pm tomorrow night
