The Other Bennet Sister will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for a three-part Christmas special later in 2026, with Ella Bruccoleri reprising her role as Mary Bennet. The new episodes will explore what comes next for Mary following her decision to marry Tom Hayward in the first series.
Sarah Quintrell, who wrote nine of the original ten episodes, will return to write all three festive specials based on storylines by author Janice Hadlow. Asim Abbasi is also returning to direct, with filming set to take place primarily in Wales this summer. More familiar faces from the first series are expected to return, although the wider cast has not yet been confirmed.
Inspired by Hadlow’s novel, The Other Bennet Sister follows the often-overlooked middle Bennet sister from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as she attempts to find her own place within Regency society. While marriage initially appeared to offer Mary the happy ending she had been searching for, the Christmas specials will explore what happens once the wedding bells fade and married life truly begins.
The drama became the UK’s biggest launch for a new series across broadcasters and streamers since May 2025, attracting 7.3 million viewers within its first 28 days. Its accompanying social media campaign also generated 250 million views across the BBC’s TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook accounts.
For CultureCues, this was a very welcome Christmas television announcement. Mary finally received the attention her story deserved, and three more episodes give the drama room to explore whether the reality of her new life matches the romantic ending she imagined. We will gladly return to the Bennet family this festive season. Consider our Christmas dance card officially marked.
The Other Bennet Sister Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2026.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.