Filming is underway on The Other Bennet Sister, the BBC’s bold new period drama that shifts the spotlight from Elizabeth Bennet to her quieter, often-overlooked sister, Mary.
Set in the world of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, this fresh 10-part adaptation is based on Janice Hadlow’s novel and brings together a stellar cast for a reimagining of a classic.
Ella Bruccoleri, known for Call the Midwife and Bridgerton, leads the series as Mary Bennet. Starring opposite her are Ruth Jones and Richard E. Grant, who take on the roles of Mr and Mrs Bennet.
Indira Varma and Richard Coyle play Mary’s worldly aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, who open the door to a new life for her. Mary joins their household as a governess to their three children — Marianne, George and Rebecca — and is soon swept into a broader, livelier social world.
Along the way, she crosses paths with Mr Ryder and Mr Hayward, played by Laurie Davidson and Dónal Finn, two new characters.
The cast also includes Varada Sethu as Ann Baxter and Aaron Gill as John Sparrow, expanding Austen’s world with original characters written for this adaptation.
The series reintroduces the full Bennet family, with Poppy Gilbert as Lizzie, Maddie Close as Jane, Molly Wright as Kitty, and Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia. Other well-known names from Austen’s universe include Caroline Bingley, played by Tanya Reynolds, Charlotte Lucas, played by Anna Fenton-Garvey, and Mr Collins, portrayed by Ryan Sampson.
The show is being filmed in Wales and will launch on BBC One and iPlayer in 2026. BritBox will carry the series in the US and Canada.
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