Gentleman Jack series chronicles life of 19th century industrialist and lesbian Anne Lister

English screenwriter Sally Wainwright grew up in the same part of northern England as Lister and, as a child, visited her family home, Shibden Hall. PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON - When English screenwriter Sally Wainwright first pitched her idea for a television series about 19th century landowner, industrialist and lesbian Anne Lister, she met with apathy. Lister, for all her achievements, was still relatively unknown. And her sexuality counted against her.

Now the climate has changed. Lister is the lead character in Gentleman Jack, Wainwright's series which is available exclusively on HBO Go, with new episodes premiering on Tuesdays at 10am. She comes to life courtesy of actress Suranne Jones.

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