The BBC's period drama The Other Bennet Sister has captivated audiences since its debut earlier this month, with fans particularly intrigued by the actress behind the stylish and scheming Caroline Bingley. Tanya Reynolds brings this social climber to life in the series, which reimagines Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice from the perspective of the often-overlooked middle daughter Mary, portrayed by Ella Bruccoleri of Call The Midwife fame.
A Familiar Face from Netflix
Before donning Regency-era attire for her role as Caroline, Tanya Reynolds was best known for her portrayal of Lily Iglehart in the first three seasons of the wildly popular Netflix series Sex Education. In the show, Lily was a quirky classmate of lead character Otis Milburn, played by Asa Butterfield, who gained notoriety for writing alien erotica and navigating teenage relationships, ultimately finding love with new student Ola, portrayed by Patricia Allison.
Departure from Sex Education
Reynolds confirmed her exit from Sex Education ahead of its fourth season, expressing mixed emotions about leaving the role she cherished. "I'm not [returning], actually, which is sad, very sad," she told Radio Times, adding that she had "loved" playing Lily. She explained that with large ensemble casts, it's natural for older characters to make way for new ones, stating, "It's just the natural progression of these shows – when you have such big ensemble casts and so many characters, I think you have to let a few older characters go to make way for newer ones, which is absolutely the right thing, the way it should happen."
Other Notable Roles
Beyond her breakout role in Sex Education, Tanya Reynolds has built a diverse portfolio in television. She played Teresa Benelli in the drama series Delicious and took on the role of handmaid Licisca in the medieval black comedy The Decameron. Looking ahead, Reynolds is set to appear in the highly anticipated fourth season of the hit sports comedy-drama Ted Lasso, expanding her range across genres.
Praise for The Other Bennet Sister
The series has garnered widespread acclaim for its engaging plot, authentic Regency costumes, and breathtaking locations. The cast, including Ruth Jones and Richard E Grant as Mary's parents, and Lucy Briers—who famously played Mary in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Austen's novel—as Mrs Hill, has received particular praise. Reynolds' portrayal of Caroline Bingley, a character starkly different from the earnest Mary, adds a compelling dynamic to the ensemble.
Broadcast Details
The Other Bennet Sister continues to air on BBC One, with episodes scheduled at 8pm on Sundays. The show's blend of fresh perspective and classic Austen charm has solidified its place as a favourite among period drama enthusiasts, with Tanya Reynolds' performance as a key draw for viewers familiar with her previous work.
