“Gentleman Jack” is in good company. Just a few days after HBO and BBC renewed the period drama about “first modern lesbian” Anne Lister, there’s news another Sally Wainwright project, “Last Tango in Halifax,” will return to TV. According to Radio Times, “Last Tango” will air a four-episode season on BBC One in 2020.
Written by Wainwright, the comedic drama sees childhood sweethearts Celia (Anne Reid) and Alan (Derek Jacobi) reuniting and marrying after more than 50 years apart. “Last Tango in Halifax” also focuses on Celia and Alan’s grown daughters from their previous marriages, Caroline (Sarah Lancashire) and Gillian (Nicola Walker).
The series kicked off in fall 2012 and ran for three seasons. It also aired a two-part Christmas special in 2016.
“Last Tango in Halifax” won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Drama Series in 2013. Wainwright took home the Best Writer: Drama prize that year as well.
Wainwright’s many other credits include TV movie “Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters” and series “Happy Valley,” “Scott & Bailey,” and “Unforgiven.” She has received four BAFTAs and nabbed an additional six nominations.
“I think I’ve always felt very excited and passionate about writing women for women, and I think that’s quite rare. I think most people think if you’re going to create a complex, powerful character it’s a man. I think even women think that,” Wainwright told Women and Hollywood. “In our current TV climate predominantly, I put on Netflix and see what’s on, and I see just male faces. And the old token woman is still how I feel. There’s very few things out there for me, a 55-year-old woman, to watch.”
