Ella Bruccoleri Takes Lead Role in New BBC Period Drama
BBC viewers are set for a captivating treat with the upcoming launch of a new 10-part period drama titled The Other Bennet Sister. This series will focus on the often overlooked character of Mary Bennet from Jane Austen's iconic novel Pride and Prejudice. Stepping into the leading role is actress Ella Bruccoleri, who is widely recognised for her portrayal of Sister Frances in the beloved BBC series Call the Midwife.
Embracing the Character of Mary Bennet
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Bruccoleri expressed her enthusiasm for the project. She stated, "As someone who has always related more to Mary than Lizzy – something that was confirmed even more by reading Janice Hadlow's brilliant novel - I feel incredibly lucky to be spending these next few months exploring her world in depth, as envisioned by these incredible women." She praised Sarah Quintrell's scripts for their "beautiful idiosyncratic detail, empathy, humour and such warmth," highlighting that beneath Mary's awkward exterior lies a profound longing for purpose and connection.
Departure from Call the Midwife
Ella Bruccoleri first appeared on Call the Midwife in 2018 during the annual Christmas special, becoming a series regular the following year. Throughout her tenure, her character faced numerous personal challenges, including helping locate the mother of an abandoned baby and assisting a troubled teenage mother. However, in 2022, she departed the show, with her final scenes depicting Sister Frances being sent to Chichester to recover from a broken shoulder.
Reflecting on her decision to leave, Bruccoleri told Radio Times it was driven by new opportunities. She explained, "It felt crazy quitting a great job but I'd started getting different offers, and I realised I love the variety of different things." She added, "When I look back at my early episodes, I'm thinking, 'Oh, that's not good.' I learnt screen acting on the job, and it was invaluable."
Secret Musical Endeavours with Marry Me Emelie!
Beyond her acting career, Ella Bruccoleri has a hidden passion for music. She is a member of the band Marry Me Emelie!, which she formed with Yoan Segot. The duo met on the open-mic circuit in Paris and began collaborating musically in 2024. Despite a 13-year relationship, they have independently released their first single, I Have a Lark, last year, followed by their debut EP.
Although their Instagram activity has been quiet since late last year, one post shared by the band featured an image of Ella with a heartfelt caption. It read, "Thank you so much for listening to our first ever EP and telling us what you think, it really does mean the world to us. It was born out of much sadness and tumult - confusion about how to move forward with our separate lives - we channelled a lot of into the EP and it now feels incredibly strange that people can go and listen to the deeply personal outpouring on Spotify (et al.) But YES YOU CAN."
Previous Role in Bridgerton
Ella Bruccoleri is no stranger to period dramas, having also appeared in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton. She played Winifred Barragan in the third series, a young woman making her formal entrance into society. Unfortunately, her character failed to impress Queen Charlotte at the ball and confided in Eloise Bridgerton, portrayed by Claudia Jessie, about her perceived lack of talent. Her character did not return for the fourth series of the show.
Upcoming Broadcast Details
The Other Bennet Sister is scheduled to air on BBC One on Sunday, March 15, starting at 8pm. This new drama promises to delve deeper into the life of Mary Bennet, offering a fresh perspective on a classic literary figure, with Ella Bruccoleri at the helm of this exciting project.
