The success of the new BBC/HBO drama Gentleman Jack has had an immediate effect with tourists from “over the pond” already flocking to West Yorkshire to see where it was filmed.

Sally Wainwright's period drama about Regency era lesbian Anne Lister has been a big hit on both sides of the Atlantic and is the latest in a long line of productions filmed partly in Little Germany and Saltaire.

Now Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive Robin Tuddenham, whose authority covers more of the show's locations including Shibden Hall, says in his blog on the authority’s website that the TV show’s success should not be underestimated and is “a game changer”, moving tourism’s value to the borough’s economy up another level following its increasing importance over the last decade.

And at Shibden Hall itself visitor numbers are up a massive 700 per cent “and counting”, he additionally tweeted on social media following a visit to talk to staff and thank them for playing their part in giving good service to visitors.

HBO began screening the series, which stars Suranne Jones as diarist and heiress Anne Lister of Halifax’s Shibden Hall in April and U.S. visitors are already arriving in Calderdale to visit it as a result, he says.

Latest figures – showcased at the We Are Calderdale event hosted by the council and business, community and charity partners at Calderdale College in March – show tourism being worth £344 million annually to the borough’s economy, almost £100 million more than it was in 2010.

And in April the council’s Cabinet approved the authority’s Tourism Strategy, recognising it can be harnessed to drive economic growth.

Mr Tuddenham said in his blog that good writing, acting and production work coupled with great locations meant Gentleman Jack had received rave reviews and was the latest screen production to benefit Calderdale tourism.

He said: “Whilst it has been filmed in a number of locations, it’s Shibden Hall, and the valley, which shine through.

“The impact has been immediate with tourists arriving from across the pond, and I understand people almost fighting over places on the Anne Lister heritage walks!

“Let’s be clear – this is a game changer, with sustained impact, building upon the Piece Hall effect, with confirmation from the BBC just last night that it will return for a second series.

“The leadership team are working on how we harness this impact across Calderdale, taking tourism and our heritage identity to another level."

Gentleman Jack has been renewed for a second series.