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There's an interesting story behind the passionate romance at the heart of the period drama and fans can't get enough of it.

Set far in the 1830s, Gentleman Jack stars Suranne Jones as the famous landowner and industrialist Anne Lister, who made history as being known as the first 'modern lesbian'. Starring alongside her is Sophie Rundle playing Anne Walker, and their on-screen chemistry is unmatched, according to viewers.

One review says: "This show continues to amaze everyone with how good it is. It was really nice and important to see Anne Lister's "dark side of the force" and the growth of Ann Walker. Once again, Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle presented us with wonderful performances. I'm so grateful for Gentleman Jack. I hope you don't stop believing how important this project is..."

The powerful series is based on the real-life Lister's diaries from those early decades, which are thought to consist of around five million words. Many of them are written in a secret code and reveal a lifetime of her secret lesbian relationships.

It wasn't until the 1980s that her work began to be decoded and transcribed, uncovering an entire lifetime of forgotten history for same-sex couples. This very show unveils the mystery behind Lister's love life on screen, and viewers are calling it a "must-watch".

A review says: "I can't say enough good things about this extraordinary series; one can only hope that we will get a Season 3. Sally Wainwright's intricate detail and dialogue, along with the remarkable cast, make this a must-see. Surrane Jones is a wonder, as are Sophie Rundle and Lydia Leonard. With a positive lesbian protagonist, it is a rare gem!"

The central couple's love story unfolds in 1832, during the industrial revolution in West Yorkshire, and sees Lister's business ventures alongside her romantic escapades. Episodes also take a look into the restoration of Shidbden Hall, her family estate, and her relationships with her staff and family.

For over 300 years the estate, which is open to the public, was in the hands of the Lister family, and it was Anne who paved the way for its extensive development, following the death of her aunt. In 1830, she brought on a local architect and improved the grounds with additions of a gothic tower, rock gardens and a boating lake.

"Everything about this show is absolutely brilliant," one viewer wrote. "I rewatched the entire first season before starting in on the second and thoroughly re-enjoyed it. Suranne Jones's performance is intoxicating, and in fact, every role has been cast with the perfect actor for the part. The production values are as good as anything I've seen, and I've seen many, many period shows in my time."

First released in 2019, the success of the series led to a second season hitting our screens a few years later in 2022. Ahead of the second release, Jones told : "It makes a difference to be telling important stories...to feel like you're making a mark with your work is wonderful."

Gentleman Jack's impact on LGBTQ+ viewers shines through above all else, and fans have opened up about their viewing experience. One fan: "Perhaps the biggest twist on television these days is a front-and-centre, unapologetically lesbian storyline.

"The LGBTQIA+ audience is so appreciative and grateful for consistently respectful and beautiful storytelling, especially when it is so often pulled out from under our feet. This cast and crew did their homework, and it paid off in spades."

Dive into the Regency era and love life of Anne Lister now and stream all episodes of Gentlemen Jack on BBC iPlayer.