The BBC has confirmed that The Other Bennet Sister will return to screens in December 2026 with a three-part Christmas special. The period drama, which debuted earlier this year to widespread acclaim, will film predominantly in Wales this summer.
Creative Team and Cast Return
Screenwriter Sarah Quintrell, who penned nine of the series' ten episodes, will return to write all three instalments, drawing from storylines by author Janice Hadlow. Asim Abbasi, who helmed five episodes of the series, will also be back to direct. Ella Bruccoleri will reprise her role as Mary Bennet, alongside a host of other recognisable faces from the original series.
Fan Reaction
Fans were left stunned upon hearing the announcement. One person wrote on Instagram: "I am SCREAMING. Best news ever." Another added: "THIS IS THE BEST NEWS OMG OMG," while a third said: "Looking forward to Christmas! Can't wait!"
Series Success
The series proved to be the most successful launch of a new drama across all platforms and streaming services in the UK since May 2025, attracting 7.3 million viewers within its first 28 days. Additionally, it has become one of the BBC's most triumphant social media campaigns of the year.
Executive Producer Comments
Jane Tranter, Executive Producer and CEO of Bad Wolf, said: "We always hoped audiences would fall in love with Mary Bennet's story, but the response to The Other Bennet Sister has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations. These Christmas specials give us the chance to spend a little more time with characters audiences have taken to their hearts, and to explore what happens after the wedding bells fade and real life begins."
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: "It's been incredibly exciting to see Mary Bennet cause such a sensation in 2026, and we could not be happier to announce this new three-part Christmas gift to her millions of fans. Marriage was just the beginning for the no-longer-so-overlooked Bennet sister."
Jess O'Riordan, Commissioning Executive of BritBox North America, said: "We know how much audiences have fallen in love with Mary Bennet, and we're thrilled that her story isn't over yet. We are so pleased Mary's story will continue for three more chapters."
Plot and Availability
The series centres on Mary Bennet, the frequently overlooked middle sister in Pride and Prejudice, as she navigates societal expectations of Regency England. The final episode of the series, which aired in April, saw Mary agreeing to marry Tom Hayward (Dónal Finn). The Christmas specials will explore what happens next for the couple. The Other Bennet Sister is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
