The Other Bennet Sister first look released

The BBC has released first look pictures for upcoming historical drama The Other Bennet Sister

Ahead of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth (16 December 2025) the BBC has revealed first look photos from The Other Bennet Sister. Based on Janice Hadlow’s acclaimed novel, the new drama brings Mary Bennet — the oft-overlooked middle sister in Pride and Prejudice — into the spotlight.

**What happens in The Other Bennet Sister and who stars**

Mr Ryder and Mary Bennet — *Mr Ryder (Laurie Davidson) and Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri)*

The story begins at Longbourn, the Bennet family home, where Mr and Mrs Bennet preside over a lively household of five unmarried daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. As society’s pressures mount, the Bennet sisters navigate the glittering yet precarious world of Regency England, where marriage is both aspiration and necessity.

The Gardiners — *Mrs Gardiner (Indira Varma) and Mr Gardiner (Richard Coyle)*

While her sisters pursue romance and social triumph, Mary embarks on a very different path. Leaving Longbourn behind, she travels to London to live with her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, in their elegant home on Gracechurch Street. There, Mary begins a journey of self-discovery, stepping out of the shadows and into her own story.

Iconic settings from Pride and Prejudice, include the Meryton Assembly Ball and the Netherfield Ball, are where fortunes and futures are decided under glittering chandeliers.

The Bennets — *Mr Bennet (Richard E Grant) and Mrs Bennet (Ruth Jones)*

Ella Bruccoleri (Call the Midwife, Bridgerton) leads the cast as Mary Bennet, whilst Richard E. Grant (Withnail & I, Can You Ever Forgive Me?) and Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey, Stella) will co-star as Mr and Mrs Bennet. Indira Varma (Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Night Manager) and Richard Coyle (Heads of State, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) will play Mr and Mrs Gardiner, whilst Laurie Davidson (A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, The Girlfriend) and Dónal Finn (The Wheel of Time, SAS Rogue Heroes) play potential suitors Mr. Ryder and Mr. Hayward, respectively. The picture at the head of this piece shows L-R: Jane Bennet (Maddie Close), Lizzie Bennet (Poppy Gilbert), Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri), Kitty Bennet (Molly Wright), Lydia Bennet (Grace Hogg-Robinson).

We’ll bring the trailer when it’s released.