PERIOD DRAMA FANS! EXCITING BBC DRAMA WITH CLASSIC JANE AUSTEN CHARACTERS ANNOUNCES NEW CAST

The Other Bennet Sister, the exciting BBC period drama featuring characters from the world of Jane Austen, has announced new stars as part of its stacked cast.

The upcoming 10-part series, based on Janice Hadlow's 2020 book of the same name, serves as a companion piece to Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice, with Mary Bennet playing a central role as she goes on a voyage of self-discovery.

After Ella Bruccoleri was confirmed to be portraying Mary last month, the BBC has now unveiled the rest of its cast, with Maddie Close, Poppy Gilbert, Molly Wright and Grace Hogg-Robinson set to play Jane, Lizzie, Kitty and Lydia Bennet respectively.

The group will have star-studded on-screen parents after Ruth Jones and Richard E Grant were announced as Mrs and Mr Bennet respectively, while Ryan Sampson will portray Mr William Collins.

Other returning characters include Mr and Mrs Gardiner, with Richard Coyle and Indira Varma assuming these roles. Tanya Reynolds and Anna Fenton-Garvey have also been announced, with the pair portraying Caroline Bingley and Charlotte Lucas

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There are also a host of new characters, with Varada Sethu and Aaron Gill joining as Ann Baxter and John Sparrow. Laurie Davidson and Dónal Finn will play Mr Ryder and Mr Hayward respectively, with Roisin Bhalla, Reggie Absolom and Jasmine Sharp rounding out the cast.

"It's a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen's beloved world," said Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. "With a pitch perfect cast led by Ella, Ruth and Richard, The Other Bennet Sister will be an irresistible treat for viewers when it launches on the BBC next year."

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"We have been working behind the scenes on The Other Bennet Sister for many years now, and Janice’s brilliantly observed characters have lived and grown in our imaginations throughout that time as Sarah [Quintrell] has been working on the scripts," added executive producer Jane Tranter.

"So our actors had a lot to live up to – and I can honestly say that this is the ensemble cast of our dreams. Each one brings something new and exciting to the world of Austen. And all of us at Bad Wolf are delighted to be making a drama that brings such joy."

The Other Bennet Sister has no release date.

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2025-06-17T16:38:43Z