Suranne Jones says playing Anne Lister in Gentleman Jack helped her mental health

Virgin Radio

11 Apr 2022, 08:21

Gentleman Jack actor Suranne Jones has spoken about how playing trailblazing lesbian Anne Lister in the series has had a positive impact on her mental health. 

The Vigil star has previously spoken about her battles with anxiety and depression following the death of her parents, but has spoken about the “positive” impact of Anne Lister.

Sharing the sad news of her father’s death on her Instagram page last year, the actor wrote, “mum passed away 4 and a half years ago and my father sadly passed away this January after fighting Covid and the affect it had on his body.” She explained how she was “still coming to terms with it all” but that she wants to “celebrate them both”. 

Speaking to press recently at the launch of the new series of Gentleman Jack, she explained that playing Lister has helped her: “I’ve talked a lot about my own mental health. Anne Lister’s mental health was very robust and she was so positive,” she said.

“She felt things very deeply but managed to dust herself off and move on. That’s what you need to do.

She added: “That’s something she has taught all of us. I feel it when I watch it.”

Set in the year 1832 in Yorkshire, Sally Wainwright’s award-winning drama is based on the collected diaries of Lister, which were written largely in secret code, documenting a lifetime of a lesbian relationship. Lister was a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community as she broke gender norms as she vowed to marry the woman she loved.

As reported by Birmingham Mail, Suranne spoke about Lister’s impact, and about portraying her in the BBC drama, saying: “The fact that it’s changed people’s lives is extraordinary. This is something that can start a conversation with people that perhaps they wouldn’t have had tools to do before. So it’s an amazing thing to be part of."

The new series of the show will see the actor once again starring alongside Bodyguard's Sophie Rundle, who will play her lover, Ann Walker.

The power couple set up home together but, according to the show’s synopsis, Anne’s “entrepreneurial spirit frightens the locals” and so does her “unconventional love life”. Meanwhile, Halifax is on the brink of revolution…

Episode one of Gentleman Jack series two aired on BBC One last night (10th April), and is available to view on BBC iPlayer. The remaining seven episodes will premiere every Sunday.