BBC need new partner to continue with Gentleman Jack

The BBC are "certainly up for" continuing with 'Gentleman Jack' but need to find a new broadcast partner.

It was announced last week that the network's co-producers, HBO won't be moving forward with anymore episodes of the period drama - which stars Suranne Jones in the title role - and writer Sally Wainwright admitted she was left "gutted" by the decision, which came as a "surprise".

She said: "Well, I think we all are [gutted]. It's been a bit of a surprise really because it's been doing really well, certainly in this country. We were ready to go again, the BBC certainly [is] up for going again.

"I think if HBO had been up for it, there'd have been no question. It's been a very successful show in all areas for them – it's had fantastic reviews, it's had a very respectable audience and on top of that it's had an impact on the community of gay women. We have the most extraordinary fanbase, they organise all sorts of events."

And Sally admitted she doesn't think the BBC will continue with the show as a solo production, though other options are being explored.

She told RadioTimes.com: "I think [the BBC] wouldn't want to continue with it without it having the same production values.

"So we would need to find another partner who would stream it globally. You know, I think all those other options are being explored at the minute given that there is a desire to go on with it amongst quite a lot of people – the BBC, Lookout Point, myself, you know."

Following the news that HBO had axed the show, the BBC confirmed a few days ago that they had been talking to Sally about their options to continue.

A spokesperson said last week: "We are tremendously proud of 'Gentleman Jack', a show which has made a huge cultural impact, and we are in discussions with Sally about what’s next."