Uplifting documentary ‘Gentleman Jack Changed My Life’ is coming soon
The BBC has announced details of a new documentary about Gentleman Jack.
Adapted from the real life diaries of Anne Lister by Last Tango in Halifax writer Sally Wainwright, the BBC’s hit period drama launched in 2019.
The long-awaited second season of Gentleman Jack is currently airing on Sunday nights in the UK on BBC One, and on Monday nights in the US on HBO.
Set in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1832, the series stars Suranne Jones (Vigil) and Sophie Rundle (Peaky Blinders) as lovers Anne Lister and Ann Walker.
The second season is set to conclude at the end of the month, but fans also have a heart-warming new documentary to look forward to.
Narrated by Call the Midwife star Miriam Margolyes, Gentleman Jack Changed My Life follows “British women of all ages who’ve taken inspiration from Anne Lister, the 19th century, real-life lesbian at the centre of the drama.
The one-hour film will premiere in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Emma Loach, BBC Commissioning Editor, commented this week: “It has been so exciting to hear the positive impact that the story of Anne Lister has had on so many people around the world. This life- affirming film celebrates finding the confidence to make changes in our lives, whatever our age.”
The official synopsis reads: “Anne’s courage to love a woman, and live openly with her, is inspiring women all over the world to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery. Fan groups and forums have sprung up to celebrate Yorkshire landowner Anne Lister and the drama series Gentleman Jack.
“In her 60s, Yvonne only realised she was gay when she watched the TV show. She’s been a Mormon all her adult life but is now in conflict with her faith after discovering her true sexuality. According to Mormon doctrine, acting on her feelings is a sin. While she works out what to do about her faith, we follow Yvonne as she determines to come out to her grown up children.
“In Manchester, Sami tried to come out to her mum 10 years ago but went straight back in the closet after a hostile response. The portrayal of Anne Lister in the drama gives Sami the confidence to try again and to heal the rift with her mum.
“Pauline and Trixie are in their 80s. Despite enjoying a long-term relationship in their 20s, they parted 35 years ago, because they felt it was impossible for them to live openly as a lesbian couple. Having watched Gentleman Jack, Pauline was spurred into action to track Trixie down.”
Executive producer Barbara Govan revealed: “We’re inspired by the courage of all the women in this film who’ve shared their stories of coming out, with honesty and humour.”
She added: “We thank their mums, sons, daughters, and grandparents for sharing their reactions, especially where it’s a work in progress.”
Gentleman Jack Changed My Life will feature behind-the-scenes footage from the second series of Gentlemen Jack, plus insights from the show’s writer Sally Wainwright and stars.
There’s no official news yet on a third season of Gentleman Jack, but we fully expect to hear confirmation of a renewal very soon.
Gentleman Jack is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.