The BBC has commissioned a three-part Christmas special for The Other Bennet Sister, following the record-breaking success of its first season. The drama, based on Janice Hadlow's novel, follows Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri), the overlooked middle sister from Pride & Prejudice. The final episode saw Mary agreeing to marry Tom Hayward (Dónal Finn), but challenges likely await the couple.
Record-Breaking Success
The Other Bennet Sister was the biggest launch of a new drama across all platforms and streamers in the UK since May 2025, drawing 7.3 million viewers in its first 28 days. Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, said: "We always hoped audiences would fall in love with Mary Bennet’s story, but the response has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations."
Cast and Fan Demand
Ella Bruccoleri will return as Mary, alongside "a host of other familiar faces." Fans flooded social media demanding Dónal Finn's return as Tom. One fan wrote on Instagram: "Best news ever!! Please confirm Dónal being back as Tom." Another asked: "@donal.finn will be in it, right? RIGHT?!" A third added: "I need confirmation that @donal.finn is part of this pleaseeeee." With the special set after Mary and Tom's wedding, Finn's return is highly likely. He also appears as James Moriarty in Prime Video's Young Sherlock.
Plot and Episode Details
Tranter teased: "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." The exact plot remains under wraps, but it will likely follow the couple's married life, including dealing with in-laws or children. Episodes will be 30 minutes each, matching the original series format. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: "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. Marriage was just the beginning for the no-longer-so-overlooked Bennet sister."
Broadcast Details
The specials will air exclusively in the UK on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. In the US and Canada, they will be available exclusively on BritBox.
