JACK the lass!

SURANNE JONES and SOPHIE RUNDLE on trouble in paradise as the hit drama returns

- CAREN CLARK

GENTLEMAN JACK n SUNDAY, 9 PM, BBC1 DRAMA

Three years ago, BBCi's Gentleman Jack turned the period-drama genre on its head with a rip-roaring portrayal of real-life 19th-century lesbian landowner Anne Lister.

In her top hat and greatcoat, unconventional Anne - played by Doctor Foster star Suranne Jones - cut a swathe through Halifax with ruthless business deals and scandalous romantic liaisons.

Now, the trailblazer is back in a second series, set in 1834. Inspired by the real Anne's diaries, the new eight-part run is again written by Sally Wainwright and finds Anne and lover Ann Walker (Peaky Blinders' Sophie Rundle) preparing to set up home in Anne's beloved Shibden Hall.

But while their relationship hits stumbling blocks, trouble is also brewing as Anne expands her coal and property businesses.

Here, Suranne, 43, and Sophie, 33, tell us what to expect...

Where do we find Anne and Ann as this season begins?

SURANNE Anne's got her wife and she's setting up her life. It's supercharged. She's protecting her assets, fighting for what she wants, and spending money.