The news confirms that the beloved adaptation, which captivated audiences with its fresh take on Jane Austen's world, will continue the story of Mary Bennet. The special recently wrapped production in Wales, promising a timely arrival for the holiday season later this year.
The three-part extension will delve into the life of Mary Hayward (Ella Bruccoleri) following her marriage to Tom Hayward (Dónal Finn). The central question posed for the special explores Mary's evolving identity as Mrs. Hayward, suggesting a deeper character exploration for the often-overlooked Bennet sister. While the special is slated for Christmas, the source indicates that viewers should not necessarily expect a holiday-themed storyline, but rather a continuation of the character's journey.
Beyond the central duo, a host of familiar faces are set to return. Laurie Davidson will be back as Mr. Ryder, Mary's one-time paramour. The ensemble cast also includes Ruth Jones as Mrs. Bennet, Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley, Varada Sethu as Ann Baxter, Poppy Gilbert as Lizzie Darcy, Maddie Close as Jane Bingley, Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia Wickham, Molly Wright as Kitty Buncock, and Anna Fenton-Garvey as Charlotte Collins. Adding a new character to the mix, Nerys Amber-Stocks joins as Lucy, Mary's housemaid.
The creative team behind the original series is also largely intact. Screenwriter Sarah Quintrell, who penned nine of the ten initial episodes, has written all three new installments. These episodes are based on storylines developed by author Janice Hadlow, whose novel inspired the series. Director Asim Abbasi, who helmed the initial run, has returned to direct the special, ensuring a consistent vision.
"The Other Bennet Sister," an adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel of the same name, proved to be a significant success. In its homeland, the 10-episode series became the UK's biggest drama across all platforms and streamers since May 2025, according to the original report. Its arrival in the U.S. and Canada via BritBox also generated considerable interest, driving a substantial number of new subscribers, with over 40 percent of them reportedly watching the series on the platform.
The upcoming special will be available exclusively on BritBox for audiences in the U.S. and Canada. In the UK, it will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, ensuring broad access for its dedicated fanbase.
