The BBC has confirmed that the critically acclaimed period drama The Other Bennet Sister will return for a three-part Christmas special, filming in Wales throughout summer 2026 ahead of its release on BBC One and iPlayer.
Record-Breaking Debut
First airing in March 2026, the drama attracted 7.3 million viewers within its initial 28 days, making it the most successful debut for a new drama across all platforms and streaming services in the UK since May 2025, according to BBC figures. The series has been dubbed "best show ever" by fans.
Creative Team and Cast
Written by Sarah Quintrell and based on storylines by author Janice Hadlow, the series takes inspiration from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Director Asim Abbasi, who helmed five episodes of the first series, returns to direct the new episodes. Ella Bruccoleri reprises her role as Mary Bennet, alongside a cast that previously included Richard E. Grant, Ruth Jones, Indira Varma, and Varada Sethu. Additional cast members for the special have not yet been announced.
Executive Producer Comments
Executive producer Jane Tranter 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."
Fan Reaction
Fans have reacted enthusiastically on social media. One wrote: "EVERYBODY SHUT UP MY SHOW IS ALMOST ONNNN. Thank you to this amazing team for listening to their audience." Another said: "OMG THIS IS THE BEST NEWS EVER!!" A third commented: "This is the best show I have ever watched! I can't wait." One fan added: "SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP."
Plot and Availability
The first two episodes of the original 10-part series depicted events from Pride and Prejudice through Mary Bennet's perspective, before following her on a journey of self-discovery across London and the Lake District. The Christmas specials will continue her story after marriage. The Other Bennet Sister is currently available on iPlayer.
