The BBC has signalled it will expand its Jane Austen adaptations after the success of period drama The Other Bennet Sister, with a new series based on Janice Hadlow's upcoming novel The Other Elliot Sister in development.
Success of The Other Bennet Sister
Earlier this year, the BBC unveiled its fresh 10-part series, The Other Bennet Sister, which centred on one of the daughters from Jane Austen's beloved novel Pride and Prejudice. While the programme drew from Janice Hadlow's novel of the same title, audiences gained deeper insight into the life of the 'unremarkable and overlooked' sibling.
The author is now developing another novel, The Other Elliot Sister, which will turn its focus towards the Elliot family from Jane Austen's concluding novel, Persuasion.
BBC's plans for more Austen adaptations
During this year's Edinburgh TV Festival, BBC Director of Drama Lindsay Salt discussed the triumph of The Other Bennet Sister and revealed the broadcaster's eagerness to continue its partnership with Bad Wolf and broaden its Jane Austen adaptations, reports the Express.
She commented: "I just think people loved her [Mary] so much, and Ella was incredible in that lead role. So it just shows, when you've got a character like that, it really, really, it really lands."
"But then we are looking to do more in that world. So Janice Hadlow's upcoming book, The Other Elliot sister... a clue, figure out the Austen fans out there in terms of which book it will be based on!"
"But I think we found a really fun brand there where we've refreshed period drama for BBC."
Christmas special confirmed
Although The Other Bennet Sister concluded earlier this year, the broadcaster has announced the cherished characters will return to screens for a Christmas special. The three episodes will feature the comeback of Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet, along with numerous other audience favourites.
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."
"Returning to the world of Mary Bennet with our brilliant partners at the BBC and BritBox feels like the perfect way to celebrate the success of the series and give viewers a treat this Christmas."
The Other Bennet Sister is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
