TV & Movies
And how the series pioneered a safer approach to intimacy scenes.
This isnt just another show, Suranne Jones tells me ofGentleman Jacks welcome return to the small screen.
Portraying such a character carries great responsibility, and its not one that Jones takes lightly.
I do my homework and I come prepared.
I am an ally, and Im proud of our series, she remarks.
But the honeymoon period isnt without its complications.
And the return of an old flame also brings infidelity into the mix.
Shes seemingly unable to stay still.
The impact of this had a lingering effect on Jones, but more on that later.
Alongside the on-camera action, there was a lot happening behind-the-scenes.
It took a year to complete the series, due to setbacks brought on by lockdown.
I found the stopping and starting, the breaks in filming, quite hard, the actor admits.
This was only exacerbated by the major life transitions that both Jones and Rundle were dealing with in real-time.
My father passed away.
Sophie was having a baby.
There were huge life events.
I think it was very, very difficult traumatic at times, Jones recalls.
You dont go through those big moments in your life without finding a great connection, Jones notes.
Meanwhile, Rundle champions her co-star for anchoring her throughout her pregnancy.
Suranne will be horribly embarrassed when I say this, but she was such an amazing support for me.
Jones, 43, got her big break in 2000 portraying Karen McDonald inCoronation Street.
As such, both actors are well seasoned when it comes to appearing in shows that have large followings.
The latest series of the show tracks a life-changing progression in society: the arrival of the railway.
Yet the community is still woefully stagnant in its view of women and how theyshouldbehave.
Although its a period drama, the issues are remarkably prevalent in todays society.
This modern relevance adds a special nuance to the show, Rundle believes.
However, theres a huge amount of parallels between what was happening then and now.
It does make it easier to act out.
Its not a side story.
It helps me and Sophie feel the freedom to tell the story and find the beauty in the work.
It was really important and integral to us, especially when Sophie was pregnant.
I think it is imperative that people do use them now.
It offers you a safe space, Rundle says.
Ive never done that before.
How are we, as a team, going to navigate this?
Im really proud that we kickstarted this movement, she notes.
As such, the character barely pauses to take a breath.
It must be tiring to exude such energy throughout those scenes, I ask of Jones.
Its difficult and exhausting.
My husband tells me to slow down a lot when I come back from filming, she reveals.
But when I see Lister on the screen, I appreciate that she needs that.
So even when Im absolutely rinsed on a Friday, Im like, We can do this!
And it just so happens that Jones has found the perfect antidote to those intensescenes.
I watched a lot ofDrag Racein the bath.
Gentleman Jackduring the day andDrag Raceat night?
A match made in heaven, if you ask us.
Gentleman Jackpremieres on HBO on April 25 at 10 p.m.
ET, and airs on BBC One on Sunday nights at 9 p.m.
