star revealed she was amazed to learn that her character in the BBC period drama was hailed as an LGBT icon.
The 43-year-old actress stars as the in the popular programme – which is based on the true story of real-life diarist Anne – who in the first series began a romance with another woman.
Season one of the series ended with her and Ann Walker () declaring their love for each other and running off to get married, but what trouble awaits them in the second chapter?
Well, fans won’t have long to wait as series two makes its debut on the small screen tomorrow (April 10).
Speaking about the show’s highly-anticipated return at the London launch, Suranne was overwhelmed that her starring role has made a powerful impact.
‘The fact that it’s changed people’s lives is extraordinary,’ she said.
‘I think when we first talked about what Sally’s Gentleman Jack was going to be, it was almost like a steampunk period drama.
‘There’s no other period drama like this,’ she added.
The upcoming eight-parter will pick up in Yorkshire in 1834, as all eyes turn to the happily married Anne and Ann, as they’re determined to combine their estates and make their mark as a power couple.
in February this year, and the snaps show the star, actress Gemma Whelan (Marian Lister), and Lydia Leonard (Mariana Lawton) rocking the historical attire.
Gemma Jones, Timothy West, Katherine Kelly, Derek Riddell, Stephanie Cole, and Peter Davison will also return to the screen.
Season one of the show covered the period 1832 to 1834 – but landowner Anne died in 1840, meaning there is another six years worth of her life to bring to the small screen.
Gentleman Jack will return on Sunday April 10 at 9pm on BBC One.