Ruth Jones Unveils 'Heaving Bosom' as Secret Weapon for Iconic Mrs Bennet Role
Actress Ruth Jones has revealed her surprising secret weapon for bringing Jane Austen's iconic character Mrs Bennet to life in the new BBC drama The Other Bennet Sister. The Gavin and Stacey star described the character's "heaving bosom" as her essential tool for portraying the famously anxious matriarch from Pride and Prejudice.
The Physicality of Mrs Bennet
"Mrs Bennet relies very heavily on a heaving bosom," Jones explained during a recent interview. "It's almost like her engine, and she very rarely gets seen without it—apart from when she's in her nightie. So that's her secret weapon, and that's all down to the wonderful costume department; I quite liked wearing a corset."
The actress, who takes on the "iconic" literary role in BBC1's new Sunday night drama, described how the physicality of the costume helped her embody the character's constant state of agitation and determination to marry off her five daughters.
A Different Interpretation of the Classic Character
Jones, 59, said she wanted to approach Mrs Bennet differently from previous portrayals by acclaimed actresses like Alison Steadman and Brenda Blethyn. "They are very large shoes to step into, but in The Other Bennet Sister we don't see a woman of purely nervous disposition," she explained.
"I think of her like an estate agent with five properties to sell—four will be snapped up, but one can't even get a viewing. She's a tough businesswoman. That really appealed to me."
The Emotional Toll of Playing a Cruel Character
Jones admitted that playing the often cruel and narcissistic Mrs Bennet took an emotional toll, particularly in scenes where she belittles her middle daughter Mary, played by Ella Bruccoleri.
"Many of my scenes involve Mrs Bennet criticising and belittling her, and Mary lacking the courage to stand up to her," Jones sighed. "She is awful to Mary—let's not beat about the bush—and often quite cruel. I mean, she's a narcissist, she's vain, she's a hypochondriac and she basically wants to just be indulged and have a nice life herself. I often had to apologise to Ella afterwards."
Understanding Mrs Bennet's Motivations
Towards the end of the ten half-hour episodes, viewers will gain deeper insight into why Mrs Bennet behaves so unpleasantly toward Mary. "Ultimately, she wants security for all her daughters," Ruth explained. "She knows how vital financial and domestic security is for a woman of that era, especially when she can't secure it herself."
The series, adapted from Janice Hadlow's book, shows Mrs Bennet intent on marrying off her five daughters while her husband Mr Bennet, played by Richard E Grant, remains entirely disinterested.
The Bennets' Relationship Dynamics
Jones offered her interpretation of the Bennets' marital relationship, suggesting: "I imagine they had a very healthy sex life early on, but it soon became clear they didn't have much in common and irritated each other greatly. Mr Bennet can be quite harsh. It's a fractious relationship."
A Joyful Production Experience
Despite the challenging nature of her character, Jones described the production as "one of the happiest jobs I've ever done." She added: "All my daughters are a joy—every one of them. The series is a lovely blend of lightness and comedy, with some genuinely moving and poignant moments."
Unresolved Hollywood Grudge
In a surprising aside, Jones revealed she still harbors resentment toward Gwyneth Paltrow from their time working together on the 1996 film Emma. "I had to say, 'come this way, Miss Woodhouse.' And then say, 'Miss Woodhouse is here.' It was my first ever film, I was really excited, and Gwyneth Paltrow decided that I didn't need to say both lines, so she cut 50% of my script. I've never forgiven her."
The Other Bennet Sister replaces Call the Midwife in BBC1's Sunday night schedule, premiering at 9pm with Jones hoping the costume drama will prove a big hit with viewers seeking both entertainment and emotional depth.
