The BBC has released first-look images from The Other Bennet Sister's three-part Christmas special, which recently finished filming in Wales. The pictures show Mary Bennet beginning a new chapter as Mrs Hayward, with Ella Bruccoleri returning as Mary alongside Dónal Finn as her husband, Tom Hayward.
Mary adjusts to married life
The special picks up after the first series, following the couple as Mary adjusts to life after their wedding. After accepting Tom's proposal in the series one finale, Mary faces fresh questions about her future. The BBC teased: "with marriage comes a new identity, and the question remains: who will Mary become as Mrs Hayward? But just as Mary begins this new chapter, an unexpected visitor from her past arrives at her door in need of her help".
Ruth Jones, Tanya Reynolds and Laurie Davidson are among the familiar faces in the newly released pictures, reprising their roles as Mrs Bennet, Caroline Bingley and Mr Ryder respectively. Audiences will also recognise Poppy Gilbert as Lizzie Darcy, Maddie Close as Jane Bingley, Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia Wickham and Molly Wright as Kitty Buncock. Newcomer Nerys Amber Stocks also appears in the photographs, joining the cast as the Haywards' housekeeper.
Behind the scenes
Sarah Quintrell, who wrote nine of the first series' 10 episodes, has penned all three episodes of the special, working with director Asim Abbasi. Based on Janice Hadlow's bestselling novel of the same name, The Other Bennet Sister places Mary Bennet centre stage – the often overlooked middle sister from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The drama follows her through the rigid social conventions of Regency England, where marriage is both an ambition and an expectation.
The programme launched in March and became the biggest new drama across all platforms and streaming services in the UK since March 2025, attracting 6.5 million viewers during its first 28 days. The opening episode has now reached 9.5 million viewers. New viewers can catch up on the show now on BBC iPlayer.
Viewer praise
Viewers have praised the drama, with one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer writing: "Watching this is like a warm hug. I absolutely loved it. Mary is such an adorable character. Every episode I grew to love her more."
Another viewer enthused: "I'm completely in love with this. It feels like such a warm, thoughtful companion to Pride and Prejudice, and Mary finally gets a story of her own. I really liked that the romance isn't rushed and that the show actually gives the characters room to grow. The costumes and interiors are gorgeous, but it's the quieter emotional moments that really got me. Such a lovely comfort watch."
The Other Bennet Sister's three-part special is coming to BBC One and iPlayer.
