Hit BBC period drama Gentleman Jack has been recommissioned for a second series - after just one episode appearing on screen.
The opening part of the drama, starring Suranne Jones as the remarkable Anne Lister, aired on BBC One last Sunday night to widespread acclaim from critics and viewers alike.
The episode was the most successful launch for a new BBC drama this year, winning its 9pm slot with an average overnight audience of 5.1 million viewers, and a peak of 5.6 million.
The second series will again use the real life diaries of Anne Lister - part of which were written in code - as its source, with every part of Lister’s story based in historical fact and the five million words she wrote in her journals.
Suranne Jones, who stars as Anne Lister, says: "I’m so thrilled that I will be joining Sally Wainwright on the second part of Anne’s journey. We always dreamed there would be more and now we get to play it all out.
"It’s such amazing and positive news. I love working with the brilliant and talented Sophie Rundle and can’t wait to create some more Lister and Walker moments with her too."
The period drama is set in Halifax, west Yorkshire, in 1832.
Anne was a no-nonsense English landowner who kept diaries chronicling her life in the 19th century, including her lesbian relationships, and a sixth of the documents were written in code.
On news of the recommission, writer Sally Wainwright says: "It’s so exciting that so many people have had such a positive response to Suranne’s exuberant performance as the brilliant, life-affirming Anne Lister and to Sophie’s beautiful performance as her courageous partner, Ann Walker.
"I’m utterly delighted that we’ve been recommissioned, because there are so many more big, bold stories to tell about Anne Lister and Ann Walker."
*Gentleman Jack airs on Sundays on BBC One at 9pm
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