The new series will see Suranne Jones return to her role as Anne Lister, with Sophie Rundle reprising her role as Anne Lister’s now wife, Ann Walker. Based on the real-life diaries of Anne Lister, some of which were written in code, Gentleman Jack’s second series will follow the couple as they set up their home together at Shibden Hall as wife and wife, in Yorkshire 1834.

Determined to combine their estates, Anne Lister’s entrepreneurial spirit is as frightening to the locals as her unconventional love life. With Halifax on the brink of revolution, her refusal to keep a low profile becomes provocative and dangerous.  

Gemma Whelan (The Tower) and Lydia Leonard (Flesh and Blood) will return to their roles as Marian Lister and Mariana Lawton, with Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It) guest starring as Anne Lister’s outrageous former lover Isabelle ‘Tib’ Norcliffe.

Also returning to Shibden Hall will be Gemma Jones as Aunt Anne Lister and Timothy West as Jeremy Lister. They will be joined by Jodhi May (Lady Vere Cameron), Peter Davison (William Priestly), Amelia Bullmore (Eliza Priestley), Vincent Franklin (Christopher Rawson), Shaun Dooley (Jeremiah Rawson), Rosie Cavaliero (Elizabeth Cordingley), Joe Armstrong (Samuel Washington), Anthony Flanagan (Ben Sowden), and George Costigan (James Holt).

The new eight-part series will be directed by Edward Hall, Amanda Brotchie and Fergus O’Brien.

Gentleman Jack will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this spring.