Gentleman Jack star Suranne Jones cast in new series of Dominic Savage's I Am

The star of Yorkshire-based television hit Gentleman Jack will appear in the next installment of a hugely successful Channel 4 show.

Suranne Jones has been cast in the recommissioned I Am, the critically acclaimed, female-led drama "anthology series" from award-winning writer-director Dominic Savage.

It comes after she starred as Anne Lister in the period comedy-drama Gentleman Jack, based on the one-time owner of Shibden Hall in Halifax.

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Suranne Jones in Gentleman Jack. Credit: BBC.Suranne Jones in Gentleman Jack. Credit: BBC.
Suranne Jones in Gentleman Jack. Credit: BBC.
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I Am became Channel 4’s most successful new 10pm drama in six years when it debuted in August 2019, with BAFTA-winning Vicky McClure starring in I Am Nicola; Oscar and BAFTA-nominated Samantha Morton starring in I Am Kirsty; and Gemma Chan starring in I Am Hannah.

Each episode of the new three-part series, which starts production next month, will be developed and written by Savage in collaboration with the leading actor – for whom, in each case, the story will have personal resonance.

Jones' episode will co-star Ashley Walters, of Top Boy and Bulletproof fame.

Ms Jones said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the next series of I Am.

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"Dominic always tells important stories with great sensitivity and the process so far has been wonderfully collaborative and open which is something I thrive on.

"I can’t wait to make what will be a very personal and thought-provoking piece and I’m thrilled to be telling this story with Ashley. I hope it really speaks to people and helps continue the important discussions around mental health.”

As well as its nomination at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards (Leading Actress for Samantha Morton in I Am Kirsty), I Am was nominated for the Best Original Programme and Best Single Drama at the Broadcast Awards; for Best TV Movie at the C21 International Drama Awards; as Best New Drama in the TV Choice Awards; and for Photography (Drama & Comedy) at the RTS Craft Awards.

Samantha Morton also won the WFTV Performance Award for her performance in I Am Kirsty.

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Mr Savage said: “I am looking forward greatly to making another series of female led stories with such amazing and incredibly talented actors, starting with Suranne.

"It is a privilege to be telling such personal and important stories in this unique and collaborative way. These will be inspirational, relatable, and truthful tales of courage and hope, that shine a light on the difficult and challenging aspects of all of our lives.”

Produced by Emmy-winning Me+You Productions, the series enters production in early August.

Caroline Hollick, head of Drama Channel 4, which is setting up a national headquarters in Leeds, said: “We are utterly delighted to bring back this groundbreaking series.

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"Suranne and Dominic have created a truly iconic, heart-rending character in ‘Victoria’, and I cannot wait to see how their extraordinary creative vision unfolds on-screen.”

Richard Yee, executive producer of the show and co-founder of Me+You, said: “We’re excited about renewing our creative relationship with Dominic Savage, one of the most distinctive and powerful filmmakers working today and thrilled to be working with the brilliant Suranne Jones and Ashley Walters.

"We’re looking forward to seeing the fruits of their collaboration on screen and are grateful for the platform and support Channel 4 have given us.”

Executive Producers are Richard Yee and Dominic Savage, with head of drama, Caroline Hollick, and head of development, Gemma Boswell, overseeing.

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The series is produced by Me+You co-founder Krishnendu Majumdar with co-producer Josh Hyams, who worked on The Trip.

I Am is co-funded by Sky Studios and international sales are handled by NBCU Global Distribution.