The BBC has confirmed that its big new Suranne Jones drama, Gentleman Jack, will indeed be returning for a second series. We’ve got all the info you need to know, including some quotes from the people involved, right here…

TV Wise reports that the show, which was co-produced by HBO, has received very strong ratings and become the Beeb’s most successful new drama of the year so far. As a result, an ‘early renewal’ has been ordered and eight new episodes have been confirmed as happening.

BBC’s big drama boss, Piers Wenger, said this:

“Gentleman Jack exudes sass and originality, and has been a huge hit with our BBC One audience. We look forward to continuing Anne Lister’s journey with Sally, Suranne and the rest of the team.”

Creator Sally Wainwright added this:

“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. A massive thank you to the BBC and HBO and to everyone at [the production company] Lookout Point.”

Suranne Jones herself said this:

“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. A huge thank you to the BBC, HBO and Lookout Point for giving us our second series. 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.”

We’d expect the second series to arrive next year, and we’ll keep you updated as we hear more about it.