The Other Bennet Sister Christmas Special Is Officially Happening – Here’s Everything We Know

The Other Bennet Sister Christmas Special Is Officially Happening, And We Couldn’t Be More Excited!

If your idea of festive television involves cosy period dramas, crackling fires and plenty of Regency charm, then you’ll want to add this to your Christmas watch list.

The Other Bennet Sister is officially returning to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for a special three-part Christmas event.

Bringing viewers back into the wonderfully familiar world inspired by Jane Austen’s beloved characters. And honestly? It sounds like the perfect excuse to curl up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate this festive season.

The Other Bennet Sister is coming back for Christmas

Following the success of the original series, The Other Bennet Sister is returning with three brand-new episodes, produced by Bad Wolf for the BBC and BritBox North America.

Screenwriter Sarah Quintrell, who penned nine of the original ten episodes, is once again taking the reins and will write all three festive specials.

Based on Janice Hadlow’s acclaimed novel, The Other Bennet Sister shines a spotlight on Mary Bennet – the often-overlooked middle sister from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice – as she navigates the expectations, pressures and romance of Regency England, where marriage was as much about survival as it was about love.

The series finale left viewers cheering as Mary finally accepted Tom Hayward’s proposal, but the upcoming The Other Bennet Sister Christmas special promises to explore what happens next for the newly engaged couple. Just what challenges – and festive surprises – lie ahead remains under wraps, but we’re already counting down the days until we find out.

Jane Tranter, Executive Producer and CEO of Bad Wolf, says: “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. Returning to the world of Mary Bennet with our brilliant partners at the BBC and BritBox feels like the perfect way to celebrate the success of the series and give viewers a treat this Christmas.”

Who’s returning for the festive special?

Leading the cast once again is Ella Bruccoleri, who reprises her role as Mary Bennet.

The BBC hasn’t announced the full cast just yet, but many of the much-loved stars from the original series look set to return.

That could include Richard E. Grant and Ruth Jones as Mr and Mrs Bennet, alongside Maddie Close as Jane Bennet, Poppy Gilbert as Lizzy Bennet, Molly Wright as Kitty Bennet and Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia Bennet.

Fans will also be hoping to see Laurie Davidson return as Mr Ryder and Dónal Finn reprise his role as Tom Hayward, especially after the series ended with Mary accepting Tom’s proposal.

While the BBC hasn’t confirmed the full line-up just yet, it certainly wouldn’t feel like a Bennet family Christmas without plenty of familiar faces.

Where is The Other Bennet Sister Christmas special being filmed?

Production is set to begin this summer, with filming taking place primarily in Wales.

With its sweeping countryside, grand historic houses and picturesque villages, Wales has become a favourite filming location for period dramas, making it the perfect backdrop for another beautifully atmospheric return to the world of the Bennet family.

We can’t wait to see the stunning locations transformed into another elegant Regency setting when the episodes arrive later this year.

When can we expect The Other Bennet Sister Christmas Special to air?

While the BBC hasn’t announced an exact release date yet, we do know The Other Bennet Sister Christmas Special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this festive season.

As soon as more details are announced, including a trailer and official air dates, we’ll be updating our festive TV guide.

Until then, it’s safe to say our Christmas viewing schedule is already looking wonderfully cosy.

Looking for more festive TV viewing for this year? Check out BBC The Baddies Animation Coming to BBC One at Christmas!