The BBC has signalled that another period drama could be in the works following the success of The Other Bennet Sister, which aired earlier this year as a 10-part series. The show, based on Janice Hadlow's novel of the same name, focused on Mary Bennet, one of the daughters from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, portraying her as the 'unremarkable and overlooked' sibling.
Author's next novel hints at Persuasion adaptation
Hadlow is now working on a new novel, The Other Elliot Sister, which will centre on the Elliot family from Austen's final novel, Persuasion. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, BBC Director of Drama Lindsay Salt discussed the success of The Other Bennet Sister and confirmed the broadcaster's interest in continuing its collaboration with production company Bad Wolf on Austen adaptations.
Salt said: "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."
BBC confirms plans to expand Austen universe
She added: "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."
Despite The Other Bennet Sister concluding earlier this year, the broadcaster has confirmed that the characters will return for a Christmas special. The three episodes will feature Ella Bruccoleri reprising her role as Mary Bennet, alongside other fan-favourites.
Christmas special confirmed
Jane Tranter, Executive Producer and CEO of Bad Wolf, commented: "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."
She continued: "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.
