Suranne Jones has issued a lengthy statement to her "devastated" fans after her HBO series Gentleman Jack was axed after two seasons on air.
It was announced on Friday that the period drama, which stars the likes of Doctor Foster’s Suranne as Anne Lister and Sophie Rundle as Ann Walker, would not continue for a third season.
Set in the 1830s, Gentleman Jack was based on the real-life diaries of landowner, pioneer and “gender-nonconforming entrepreneur”, Anne, which documented her relationships with women.
Former Coronation Street star Suranne, 43, has addressed the news to fans after it was announced that Gentleman Jack will not be renewed for a third season.
She wrote on Instagram : "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 it’s 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 it’s 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."
The statement was accompanied by a bloopers real from the show’s second series.
Confirming the show will not be renewed, the network told 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 Mirror previously reported on how Suranne’s role on BBC ’s Gentleman Jack encouraged women to open up about their own sexuality.
In the 1800s the term ‘Jack’ was slang for a gay woman and now a string of women have opened up on how the “Gentleman Jack effect” helped them to come to terms with their true feelings.
Anne gained the nickname as a result of her penchant for dark, masculine clothing.
Anne Lister, the woman often referred to as the “first modern lesbian”, became known for her string of female lovers, with their erotic encounters explicitly chronicled in a coded diary stretching to 27 volumes which inspired the series.
