Indira Varma's Prominent Role in BBC's The Other Bennet Sister
The BBC period drama The Other Bennet Sister has returned, captivating audiences with its fresh take on Jane Austen's beloved characters. Based on Janice Hadlow's novel, the series shifts the focus to Mary Bennet, portrayed by Ella Bruccoleri, as she navigates life as the overlooked sister in the family.
Indira Varma as Mrs Gardiner
Indira Varma plays a key role as Mrs Gardiner, a character who kindly takes Mary under her wing during her travels to London and the Lake District. Filmed in Wales, the series offers life-changing opportunities for Mary, with Varma's performance adding depth to the narrative.
Career Highlights and Background
Born to an Indian father who was an illustrator and a Swiss mother who worked as a graphic designer, the 52-year-old actress was raised in Bath. She graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1995, launching her career with the erotic romance film Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love in 1996. Her television debut came the same year in Crucial Tales, but she is best known for her role as Ellaria Sand in the hit series Game of Thrones.
Meeting Husband Colin Tierney
Away from screen roles, Varma has an extensive theatre background, which led her to meet her husband, actor Colin Tierney. The couple first connected in 1997 while performing together in Othello at the National Theatre. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Varma expressed a desire to collaborate on a fun project with Tierney in the future.
Personal Life and Family
Varma and Tierney reside in north London with their teenage daughter Evelyn, born in 2007. In a 2014 interview with The Times, Varma shared a harrowing story of their home being burgled while she was heavily pregnant, with intruders stealing a computer full of photographs and leaving a disturbing mess. She also recounted a humorous incident involving a mouse gnawing through wires under the floorboards, causing sparks and nighttime alarms.
Colin Tierney's Career
Colin Tierney, 58, from Liverpool, has built a notable career with roles such as Calvin in EastEnders in 2018 and narrator for the series Aircrash Confidential. He has also appeared in guest roles on shows like Endeavour, Doctors, Until I Kill You, and Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.
On-Screen Dynamics
In The Other Bennet Sister, Varma's on-screen husband is portrayed by Richard Coyle, adding another layer to the series' ensemble cast. The show airs on BBC One on Sundays and is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to delve into this period drama at their convenience.
