Ella Bruccoleri, star of BBC's The Other Bennet Sister, has defended the show's approach, noting it avoids the explicit content seen in some Netflix adaptations. The series, a spin-off of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, focuses on Mary Bennet, the often-overlooked sister. Bruccoleri, known for Call the Midwife, hopes viewers will give the show a chance, especially praising the finale as 'a banger of an episode'.
The actress admitted she came to Austen late in life, but has since become an avid reader. Her portrayal of Mary starts with the character timid and oppressed by her mother, Mrs Bennet, played by Ruth Jones. Bruccoleri noted that previous adaptations reduced Mary to a 'comically sanctimonious figure', but her version aims to present a fully rounded human being.
Bruccoleri discussed the theory that Austen may have projected her own insecurities onto Mary, saying, 'I almost feel like there’s a little bit of self-hatred in the way that she’s written.' The show balances comedy with serious moments, as Mary navigates family expectations and self-esteem issues. Filming with Ruth Jones was enjoyable, with Jones apologising between takes for the harshness of her character's dialogue.
The series, consisting of ten 30-minute episodes, aims to retain the spirit of Austen while offering a modern perspective. Bruccoleri urged viewers to watch until the end, as the tone shifts throughout the season. The show has already drawn comparisons to Netflix's Bridgerton, but Bruccoleri emphasised that The Other Bennet Sister focuses on character development rather than explicit scenes.
