Gentleman Jack cancelled: how many series of drama starring Greater Manchester star Suranne Jones are there?

Period drama Gentleman Jack has been reportedly axed by TV channel HBO after two series.

The show has received high ratings and praise during its run so far, but despite this the channel has seemingly pulled the plug.

Here’s what you need to know about the show, why it has been cancelled, and also what Greater Manchester star Suranne Jones who plays the lead role in the programme has said about the cancellation.

What is Gentleman Jack?

Gentleman Jack is a period drama which is set in West Yorkshire during the 1830s, the forefront of the Industrial Revolution.

Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) is keen to set up a home with fellow landowner Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) during a time of great promise and progression - and the pair want to do this as a married couple.

A spokesperson for HBO said: “Yorkshire, 1834. All eyes are on Anne Lister and Ann Walker as they set up home together at Shibden Hall as wife and wife, determined to combine their estates and become a power couple.

“Anne Lister’s entrepreneurial spirit frightens the locals as much as her unconventional love life and, with Halifax on the brink of revolution, her refusal to keep a low profile becomes provocative and dangerous.

“The second season again uses the real life diaries of Lister – part of which were written in code – as its source, with every part of Lister’s story based in historical fact and the five million words she wrote in her journals.”

The show is based on the real life of Anne Lister, a woman who is often referred to as the first modern lesbian for her understanding of her sexual orientation.

‘Gentleman Jack’ introduces Anne at the age of 41 in 1832, six years after she inherited her family home of Shibden Hall.

Why has the show been cancelled?

The BBC show was cancelled by US- co producers HBO.

Although a reason for the cancellation wasn’t given by HBO, the decision comes in the wake of a merger between Warner Bros (HBO’s parent company) and telecoms company AT&T and Discovery, forming Warner Bros Discovery.

CEO David Zaslav is pursuing an aggressive policy of scaling back, hoping to find £3bn in cuts for the company within two years.

What did Suranne Jones say following the news of the show being cancelled?

Suranne Jones, who is originally from Chadderton in Oldham, issued a lengthy statement on social media following the news of the show’s cancellation.

In it she said: “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, 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 areasI 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. 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 you are a true friend and a total star.”