Suranne Jones is set to star in the new BBC drama 'Gentleman Jack'.

The 38-year-old actress has joined forces with Sally Wainwright, whom she worked previously with on 'Dead Clever', 'Unforgiven', and 'Scott & Bailey', once again for the forthcoming series in which she will play Anne Lister, the remarkable landowner who - after years of exotic travel and social climbing - returns to Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1832, determined to transform the fate of her faded ancestral home, Shibden Hall.

Suranne said: "I first worked with Sally 10 years ago and I remember the feeling of reading her scripts like it was yesterday. They were scripts for women; fresh, daring and bizarre in a wonderful, modern, fun, complex and challenging way.

"Now I get to once again speak the words of an almighty talent on a show I know she holds close to her heart. To have Sally direct me on this feels like I'll finally get to work on a project with her where the connection will be immediate, exciting and new each day and we can enjoy that amazing ride together! I'm thrilled to be back at the BBC with this role and to be joining the Lookout Point and HBO family."

The drama will follow Anne as she attempts to restore Shibden Hall to its former glory by re-opening her coal mines and marry well, but the charismatic, single-minded woman has no intention of marrying a man and, instead, wants to wed a lady.

Sally explained: "I am delighted to be working with Suranne once again, not just as a writer this time, but as a director. Bringing Anne Lister to life with all her complexity, passion, brilliance and wit is an epic challenge that will require all the boldness, subtlety, energy and humour that I know only Suranne will bring to it."

The whole story is based on facts taken from based on Anne's real-life diaries.