‘Gentleman Jack’ star is bringing female boxing champion’s amazing true story to TV
Suranne Jones is developing a TV drama based on the life of Jane Couch.
Predominantly set in the 1970s-1990s, the series will adapt the five-time female world boxing champion’s memoir, The Final Round.
Jones, best known for her roles in Gentleman Jack and Doctor Foster, has teamed up with Les Misérables producer Lookout Point to make the show.
“Couch carved out her trailblazing career in the 1990s, when it was still illegal for women to box in the UK,” Variety reports. “Her memoir charts her upbringing in a fishing village through to her ascent in the boxing world. At the center of the story is Couch’s legal battle with the U.K. Boxing Board of Control to recognize female boxers.”
Suranne Jones commented: “As soon as I met Jane, I knew I wanted to tell her story from her perspective and shine a light on this amazing woman who paved the way so others in her position could succeed.
“[We] cannot wait to get started on developing The Final Round and we’re thrilled to be working with Faith and the team at Lookout Point — we know it’s going to make fantastic television.”
Jane Couch added: “After all the struggles I went through in my career, the fights in the ring, with the media and in the courts, it’s great that my story will be seen by a whole new audience and the people who helped me along the way, like Sarah and Dinah, will get the recognition they deserve.
“Women’s boxing has come a long way with Katie Taylor and Nicola Adams becoming household names, but there’s still so much more that needs to be done. Hopefully, my story will help.”
Executive producer Faith Penhale said: “At Lookout Point we have a fantastic legacy of telling the true stories of pioneering women from the likes of Anne Lister in Gentleman Jack to the Brontë sisters in To Walk Invisible and Jane Couch’s life achievements place her squarely alongside these.
“The strength and dignity with which Jane fought for her right to stand equally alongside men in her chosen sport is truly humbling and we are thrilled to be able to work with her, Suranne and TeamAkers to bring this inspiring tale to screens.”
Suranne Jones will begin filming the second season of Gentleman Jack later this year.
The show’s creator, Sally Wainwright, recently gave some hints about what’s ahead of Ann and Anne in the new episodes.
Gentleman Jack is available to watch on Amazon Prime.