Gentleman Jack - BBC1

Anne and Ann
(Image credit: BBC/Lookout Point/HBO/Aimee Spin)

Anne's unconventional relationship with Ann Walker is causing some tongues to wag. Will scandal be the undoing of the woman known as Gentleman Jack?

Anne's unconventional relationship with Ann Walker is causing some tongues to wag. Will scandal be the undoing of the woman known as Gentleman Jack?

The blossoming romance between Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) and Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle) seems to be going rather swimmingly, apart from the fact that Mrs Priestley (Amelia Bullmore) is now highly suspicious about their relationship and gossip is spreading like wildfire…

William and Eliza Priestley

Scandalised: The Priestleys

As writer Sally Wainwright told TV Times, "I think it’s amazing that there’s now a primetime Sunday-night drama about a gay woman.

"And the fact people have responded to it so warmly is total vindication for me."

And what about another series? Sally confirms there is one in the works. "Once Anne Lister has a grip on you, she doesn’t let go.

"She’s become part of my life! There’s tons more extraordinary material – where we finish series one is really just the beginning…"

Meanwhile, this week, things grow even more complicated for Ann, who is distressed when she receives a letter from Reverend Ainsworth (Brendan Patricks) – the widower of her deceased friend – who she believes wants to marry her.

Elsewhere, as Anne Lister continues to battle the Rawsons over the coal pits, their formidable mother Mrs Rawson (a wonderful guest turn from Sylvia Syms) confronts them about letting Anne get the better of them.

TV Times rating: ****