Is Gentleman Jack based on a true story?

SURANNE Jones stars in BBC’s drama Gentleman Jack as a fearless and bold lesbian living in the 19th century.

But is the show based on a true story? Here’s what we know.

Is Gentleman Jack based on a true story?

Gentleman Jack is based on the life of unconventional woman Anne Lister, who lived in the 19th century.

Anne not only wore trousers but had affairs with women.

Screenwriter Sally Wainwright shared: “There are so many facets to her personality.

“She’s so extraordinary. She’s this mass of contradictions. She’s very bold and brilliant. She did so many fantastic extraordinary things.”

Former Coronation Street actress Suranne Jones plays the role of Anne in Gentleman Jack.

She also played Gemma Foster in TV drama Doctor Foster, a role which won her the National Television Award for Most Popular Actress in 2016.

She won the British Soap Award for Best Actress for her role as Karen McDonald in Corrie.

Suranne is married to BBC producer and scriptwriter Laurence Akers, who used to work as a magazine editor.

The pair tied the knot in a private ceremony at Islington Town Hall back in August 2015.

She has also starred as Rachel Bailey in the detective series Scott and Bailey.

Who is Anne Lister?

Anne Lister was born in 1791 and was well-known for her intellect and gender-defying confidence.

She often stayed with her relatives in Shibden Hall, near Halifax in Yorkshire in the Lister ancestral home.

Her aunt became aware of Anne’s interest in the same sex and accepted her sexual orientation irrespective of the discriminatory views of the time.

Upon her aunt’s death in 1836, she inherited the family estate.

What is Gentleman Jack about?

Anne was a savvy businesswoman who bravely went head-to-head with a fellow business man Christopher Rawson (played by Vincent Franklin) and his brother Jeremiah (played by Shaun Dooley) over negotiations over coal.

The show reveals how the real life character was branded Gentleman Jack by the residents of her town.

Anne navigates through a time period where views on homosexuality were unfavourable yet she manages to excel in many ways.

Prior to the launch of the first series, Suranne spoke at an event in Halifax saying: “In the first series it was all about the chase, and if anyone’s been in a relationship or a marriage we all know that the reality is slightly different.

Suranne states that she is proud that Anne has become a gay icon  who has “changed people’s lives”.

She added: “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.”