Latest news with #GentlemanJack
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Suranne Jones set to thrill in gripping Netflix political drama Hostage
Much loved actor Suranne Jone swill be on Netflix next month in Hostage Netflix have released a new trailer and photos for new Susanne Jones drama Hostage. The five part series is described as a gripping political thriller, anchored by 'a powerhouse performance' from Suranne and it will launch globally on August 21. Susanne said: 'I'm thrilled to be on Netflix, in something I'm really proud of. It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. We'd talked about projects previously, but for me, it was about finding the right thing. Hostage was perfect — me and Matt together, backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it.' The plot sees the British Prime Minister's husband get kidnapped and the visiting French President being blackmailed, as the two political leaders both face unimaginable choices. Forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, might hang in the balance, can they work together to uncover the plot that threatens them both? Writer Matt Charman: 'Suranne's intensity in Hostage is off the charts. Watching her embody a Prime Minister pushed to the edge — politically, personally, emotionally — is utterly gripping. She's commanding, raw, and completely unforgettable.' Other cast members include Julie Delpy, Corey Mylchreest, Lucian Msamati, Ashley Thomas, James Cosmo, Martin McCann and Jehnny Beth. Suranne is one of Britain's best loved actors. She gained prominence for her role as Karen McDonald in Coronation Street between 2000-2004, and has since garnered critical acclaim for performances in shows like Doctor Foster, Gentleman Jack, and Vigil. Suranne is celebrated for her ability to portray diverse characters with depth and emotion. In Hostage she will be playing the Prime Minister. On speaking to politicians to prepare for her upcoming role in Netflix's Hostage, she told the Table Manners podcast: 'I don't think I'm allowed to say (who), but I did speak to three really high-up women from different parties, and I read their books and I interviewed them, and that was very exciting.' On her love of research when preparing for a role, she added: 'I love research! I wasn't very good at school, but I guess that's my callback to something that you're interested in. So I do a lot of reading. I like to meet a lot of people and chat about the roles. For Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack), there was a lot of research I could do. Obviously, there were the diaries, and there were a lot of historians that I could talk to, pictures that I could see. So I get quite geeky about that. For Vigil, I did meet a detective.'
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix drops first trailer for Suranne Jones' political thriller Hostage - and viewers all say the same thing about Vigil star playing the Prime Minister
Netflix has just released its first trailer for the-hotly anticipated political thriller Hostage starring Suranne Jones - and fans are already saying the same thing. The high-stakes drama is anchored by a powerful performance from English actress Suranne. The 46-year-old Vigil star not only plays the UK Prime Minister, but she also held a vital role as executive producer, marking her first project with Netflix. When the British PM's husband is kidnapped and the visiting French President is blackmailed, the two political leaders both face difficult choices. The plot follows the ensuing rivalry where both their political futures and personal lives might hang in the balance - and they must gamble cleverly to come out on top. Although the series itself is exciting enough, it is Suranne's presence that has fans eagerly awaiting the August 21 release date. Adoring followers rushed to social media to express their excitement about the former Corrie star's Netflix debut. One wrote online: 'Love anything that Suranne does. Very talented!' Another echoed the sentiment, saying: 'I am so excited for this! I can't wait to see Suranne Jones in this.' Known for her roles in Gentleman Jack, Doctor Foster and A Touch Of Cloth, the Greater Manchester native has built a loyal following. One wrote: 'I really like this actor Suranne Jones, she was great in Vigil,' while another chimed in 'Suranne is a super great actor. Looks exciting and riveting.' It seems charmed followers will follow Suranne wherever her career takes her, with one gushing: 'Absolutely brilliant actress. Anything she does on screen - the audience is hooked. Can't wait.' Of the project, Suranne herself said: 'I'm thrilled to be on Netflix, in something I'm really proud of.' 'It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. We'd talked about projects previously, but for me, it was about finding the right thing. 'Hostage was perfect - me and Matt together, backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it.' The five-part series is written by Matt Charman, the Oscar nominee behind war thriller Bridge Of Spies. Charman, too, is chuffed to have Suranne on board, saying: 'I've been dying to find the right story to tell with Suranne and I honestly believe what she's done with this character is going to blow the Netflix audience away. 'An embattled British PM in the middle of a fight for her country and her family - she's fierce, ruthless, and you can't take your eyes off of her.' The brand new series will see Suranne as Abigail Dalton, Julie Delpy as Vivienne Toussaint and Corey Mylchreest as Matheo Lewis. They will be joined by Lucian Msamati, Ashley Thomas, James Cosmo and Jehnny Beth. Netflix has previously released a sneak peek at the new show, with Suranne as her alter-ego waving outside 10 Downing Street with a smile on her face. While in another she looked very serious in a tie dye blouse and burgundy blazer while standing next to Julie as the fictional French president Vivienne. Suranne has been active in the acting scene for the past 29 years. She was initially best known for playing Karen McDonald in ITV's Coronation Street. She played the iconic character in the soap between 2000 and 2004. But since then she's appeared in various other series over the years. Adoring followers rushed to social media to express their excitement about the former Corrie star's Netflix debut Surrane has landed roles in the likes of Harley Street, Unforgiven, Doctor Who and Scott & Bailey. She's also played Anne Lister in Gentleman Jack, DCI Amy Silva in Vigil and Gemma Foster in Doctor Foster. This year she has also taken on the role of Suz in Film Club and Bert in Frauds. It comes after it was revealed that one of Suranne's other shows is set to return to our screens soon. Filming for the BBC hit is due to begin later this year in Scotland, with the third instalment of the police show airing in 2026. The Emmy-winning programme also stars Rose Leslie as DI Kirsten Longacre. It follows the two detectives as they tackle a case at a remote Arctic research station where a member of a British special forces mission was killed. Nominated for a BAFTA in 2022, the new series is set to be packed full of action and cast members are buzzing to begin production.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A24 Bolsters UK Operations With Hire Of Lookout Point Co-CEOs Laura Lankester & Will Johnston
A24 is bolstering its UK team with the splashy appointments of Lookout Point co-CEOs Laura Lankester and Will Johnston. Based in London, Lankester and Johnston will report to and work with A24 UK bosses Piers Wenger and Rose Garnett to 'expand, shape, and grow the TV slate'. More from Deadline BBC Content Chief: Kate Phillips Set To Replace Charlotte Moore In Top Job Agatha Christie Detectives Tommy & Tuppence Get Modern Makeover In BritBox Series Dakota Johnson Delivers Damning Diagnosis On Hollywood's Risk-Aversion: "It's All A Bit Of A Mess" Lankester and Johnston will continue to produce and deliver Netflix's new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, written by Dolly Alderton, for Lookout Point and BBC Studios. Lankester will also oversee BritBox's Tommy and Tuppence for Lookout Point and BBCS, a production we revealed earlier this week. The duo's recent credits for Lookout Point include two seasons of Sally Wainwright's Gentleman Jack (BBC/HBO), Renegade Nell (Disney+), the final season of Last Tango in Halifax (BBC), and the acclaimed final season of Happy Valley (BBC/AMC); as well as Andrew Davies' adaptation of Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy (BBC). A24's UK series slate includes the recent commissions of Molly Manning Walker's Major Players (Channel 4), Miriam Battye's The Husbands (Apple TV+) starring Juno Temple, Leo Reich's It Gets Worse (Channel 4), Michaela Coel's First Day on Earth (BBC/HBO), and Alice Birch's Ministry of Time (BBC). A24 is also collaborating on Adam Curtis' BBC series Shifty, season two of Dreaming Whilst Black and Such Brave Girls, and is behind the adaptations of Magnolia Parks as well as the Liverpool FC series written by Adolescence's Jack Thorne. Laura Lankester and Will Johnston said: 'We are excited and invigorated to join A24. Their commitment to creative excellence is an inspiration, and to build with Piers and Rose is a wonderful new opportunity. Our time at Lookout Point has been a real joy and incredibly formative. We are deeply grateful to the colleagues and friends we have been honoured to work with, and to BBC Studios for ten years of success and partnership.' Lankester and Johnston's exit after two-and-a-half years running Lookout is a big loss for the BBC Studios-owned outfit. Mark Linsey, BBC Studios MD of Scripted, told us new leadership will be announced shortly and the label 'remains in excellent creative health, with several unannounced projects in development.' We are told the pair won't leave for several months. Best of Deadline 'The Buccaneers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More
Wales Online
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Timothy West's will shows he left thousands to list of charities
Timothy West's will shows he left thousands to list of charities The star also left money to his wife, Prunella Scales, his son and his sister Timothy West in King Lear Actor Timothy West left thousands of his fortune to different charities after his death and the rest to his wife. West, who was married to Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales for over 60 years, appeared in TV comedies such as Brass and Not Going Out, dramas such as Bleak House and Gentleman Jack, and soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders. In November he died peacefully with his family around him at a care home where he was being looked after following a fall. He was 90. Now newly released documents show the gross value of his estate was £221,425 reduced to £109,892 after deductions. At the time he made his will in 2020 he was living at North Side, Wandsworth Common London. The will shows he left £10,000 to the Snipe Charitable Trust which provides grants to charitable organisations and furthering education and training of young peeople in the arts. He also left £10,000 to Bristol Old Vic and Threatre Royal Trust and another £10,000 to Southwark Cathedral. And £10,000 to aid organisation Medecins San Frontieres UK. Another £5,000 went to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and £15,000 was left to The Combined Theatrical Charities Appeals Council - a fundraising and grant-making organization that supports theatrical charities in the UK. Article continues below And he left £20,000 to his sister Patricia Anne West of Sheffield. The will stated that the residuary estate would be left to his wife. Mr West amended his will on March 11, 2024. The amendment said: "I declare jointly with my wife Pru we are giving to our son Sam the sum of £300,000 to aid the renovation of his home." Sam West, 58 is an actor, theatre director, and narrator. He has directed on stage and radio, and worked as an actor in theatre, film, television, and radio. Article continues below Timothy West had another son, Joseph, with Prunella Scales and a daughter, Juliet, with his ex-wife, actress Jacqueline Boyer. Prunella, famous for playing Sybil in Fawlty Towers, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014.
Daily Record
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Incredible' period drama fans can't stop talking about now streaming on BBC
Fans are going wild for the BBC drama, which tells the true story of landowner and industrialist Anne Lister - who was known as the first 'modern lesbian' The passionate romance at the centre of Gentleman Jack has captured the imagination of audiences far and wide, set against the backdrop of the 1830s. Suranne Jones brilliantly portrays Anne Lister, a trailblazing landowner known as the 'first modern lesbian', with Sophie Rundle by her side as Anne Walker, bringing to life an electrifying on-screen partnership. One review from Rotten Tomatoes reads: "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.." Adapted from Lister's real diaries, comprising some five million words – much of which was penned in secret code – the series reveals her clandestine lesbian relationships. Only decrypted and transcribed since the 1980s, these diaries bring to light the hidden histories of same-sex couples, with Gentleman Jack laying bare the secrets of Lister's romantic endeavours for the audience to see, making it an essential watch according to fans. 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 love story of the central couple unfolds in 1832, amidst the industrial revolution in West Yorkshire, showcasing Lister's business ventures alongside her romantic escapades. The episodes also delve into the restoration of Shidbden Hall, her family estate, and her relationships with her staff and family, reports the Express. For over three centuries, the estate, which is open to the public, was under the stewardship of the Lister family, and it was Anne who spearheaded its extensive development, following the death of her aunt. In 1830, she engaged a local architect and enhanced 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." Initially debuting in 2019, the series' triumph spawned a second season, which premiered in 2022. In an interview with GLAAD preceding the second release, Jones stated: "It makes a difference to be telling important feel like you're making a mark with your work is wonderful." The profound influence of Gentleman Jack on LGBTQ+ audiences stands out most, with viewers sharing their experiences of watching the show. A fan commented: "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." Step into the Regency era and explore Anne Lister's romantic life by streaming all episodes of Gentleman Jack on BBC iPlayer now.
