Gentleman Jack Changed My Life (S2EP BBC One Tues 24 May 2022)

This uplifting documentary follows British women of all ages who have taken inspiration from Anne Lister, the 19th-century lesbian at the centre of drama series Gentleman Jack, with dramatic results. That includes coming out to themselves, their children, their parents and grandparents.

In her sixties, Yvonne only realised she was gay when she watched the TV show. She has been a Mormon all her adult life, but is now in conflict with her faith after discovering her true sexuality.

In Manchester, Sami tried to come out to her mum 10 years ago, but went straight back in the closet after a hostile response. The portrayal of Anne Lister in the drama gives her the confidence to try again and heal the rift with her mum.

Pauline and Trixie are in their eighties. Despite enjoying a long-term relationship, they parted 35 years ago because they felt it was impossible for them to live openly as a lesbian couple. Having watched Gentleman Jack, Pauline was spurred into action to track Trixie down.

Active churchgoers Isabel and Katie sing in their church choir every weekend. Seeing Anne Lister and her lover Ann Walker take communion in the drama has inspired them to fight for the dream religious wedding the Church of England is still denying them.

Airdate: Tues 24 May 2022 at 22:40 on BBC One

Season 2 Episode 

Gentleman Jack is a remarkable and unlikely love story set in the complex, changing world of 1832 Halifax – the cradle of the industrial revolution – just as it’s all kicking off. The drama will explore Anne Lister’s relationships at home with her family, her servants, her tenants and her industrial rivals, who will use any dirty tricks they can to bring her down. At its heart is her relationship with her would-be wife, the wealthy heiress Ann Walker. It has all the warmth, wit, humour and complexity that audiences have come to associate with Sally Wainwright’s writing.