The BBC has confirmed that the acclaimed period drama The Other Bennet Sister will return for a three-part Christmas special in 2026. The series, based on Janice Hadlow's novel and inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, will shoot in Wales over the summer before airing on BBC One and iPlayer.
Record-Breaking Debut and Fan Excitement
The first series, written by Sarah Quintrell, attracted 7.3 million viewers within its first 28 days, making it the most successful new drama launch across all platforms in the UK since May 2025, according to BBC data. Fans reacted enthusiastically to the Christmas special announcement, with one writing: "EVERYBODY SHUT UP MY SHOW IS ALMOST ONNNN. Thank you to this amazing team for listening to their audience." Another posted: "This is the best show I have ever watched! I can't wait."
Returning Cast and Creative Team
Ella Bruccoleri will reprise her role as Mary Bennet. Director Asim Abbasi, who directed five episodes of the first series, returns for the specials. The original cast also included Richard E. Grant, Ruth Jones, Indira Varma, and Varada Sethu, though full casting for the Christmas episodes has not been announced.
What to Expect from the Christmas Specials
Executive producer Jane Tranter said: "We always hoped audiences would fall in love with Mary Bennet's story, but the response to The Other Bennet Sister has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations. These Christmas specials give us the chance to spend a little more time with characters audiences have taken to their hearts, and to explore what happens after the wedding bells fade and real life begins." Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added: "It's been incredibly exciting to see Mary Bennet cause such a sensation in 2026, and we could not be happier to announce this new three-part Christmas gift to her millions of fans."
Storyline Continuation
The first two episodes of the original 10-part series retold Pride and Prejudice from the perspective of the overlooked Mary Bennet, before following her journey of self-discovery through London and the Lake District. The Christmas specials will continue her story after marriage.
