Star of period drama Gentleman Jack, Suranne Jones, has released a statement on her Instagram after it was revealed the show will not be returning for a third series. Set in 1832 Halifax, West Yorkshire, Gentleman Jack - produced by Lookout Point for the BBC and HBO - is inspired by the true story of diarist and trailblazer Anne Lister.
The series takes a deep dive into the relationships with her family, servants, tenants and industrial rivals and explores the love story between her and her wife Ann Walker, played by Sophie Rundle. The news comes soon after the series, which first aired in April 2019 in America and May 2019 in the UK, wrapped its second season.
Read more: Phillip Schofield's sweet message to Holly Willoughby as they sign off until September
With the series airing alongside some of HBO’s lower-rated original series, the reason for the cancellation, it seems, is that Gentleman Jack was not getting the level of viewership needed by the American television network. Taking to her social media, the 43-year-old Dr Foster actress wrote a lengthy message to fans, which read: "Good morning. 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."
She continued: "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. THANK YOU for all your support. Thank you to Sally Wainwright for bringing us this amazing story and passion."
She went on to thank the people who brought Anne to life through costume and makeup, Lin Davie and Tom Pye, the design team - "who blew me away on set everyday" - the cast and crew "who are just so talented and beautiful" and finally her co-star, Sophie Rundle. She wrote: "I love you @sophiesophierundle you are a true friend and a total star."
Her fellow castmate, Sophie, also paid tribute to the series. In a post on Instagram, she said: "I hope the news that there won’t be another series of Gentleman Jack isn’t too disappointing for those who were hoping for more. What a privilege it has been to play Ann Walker and bring her and Anne Lister’s extraordinary love story back to life.
"I am so proud to have been a part of reclaiming their place in history. And I will be forever grateful to have been allowed to spend time in the eye-wateringly talented orbits of Sally and Suranne, and the incredible team of people who brought this story to your screens. Thank you for being such a kind, funny, creative and supportive fan base. I am overwhelmed by the love this show inspired. And PROUD. So fiercely proud."
Speaking to Deadline, HBO confirmed in a statement that they would not be moving forward with a third season of the programme. They said: "When we began this journey more than five years ago, we knew the series’ creator Sally Wainwright had a uniquely compelling vision, and it’s been tremendously gratifying to see how Anne Lister’s journey has resonated with viewers.
"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. We’d also like to thank our partners at BBC and Lookout Point for their collaboration on two remarkable seasons.”
However, it seems it may not all be bad news for the series. Speaking to the Radio Times, a spokesperson for the BBC said: "We are tremendously proud of Gentleman Jack, a show which has made a huge cultural impact, and we are in discussions with Sally about what’s next.."
Gentleman Jack is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Read next:
- EastEnders announces Shane Richie is returning as Alfie Moon
- Who is Jon Kay the new BBC Breakfast presenter replacing Dan Walker?
- Why isn't The One Show on tonight? BBC One programme cancelled all week
- Strictly’s John Whaite reveals Gogglebox ‘secret’ on The One Show
- Love Island's Andrew Le Page calls off Coco Lodge romance in U-turn after recoupling
