BBC announces new period drama The Other Bennet Sister

The BBC has commissioned new period drama The Other Bennet Sister.

The 10-part series is based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name and focuses on Mary Bennet, the middle sister from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, who is described as her “fresh take on ballroom.”

An official summary states: “[This] assumes that while we may dream of being Lizzy when it comes to the Bennet sisters, in reality most of us are more like Mary.

“Unlike her sisters, Mary is not your typical historical drama heroine. She’s awkward, anxious, preachy, full of facts, a terrible singer…overlooked by her mother and seemingly destined to have a blank dance card for the rest of her life…until Mary takes matters into her own hands.

“’The Other Bennet Sister’ tells Mary Bennet the epic love story that no one predicted for her, taking her from her childhood home in Meryton to the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and valleys of the Lake District – all in the search for independence and romance and, most elusive of all, self-love and acceptance.”

The Power’s Sarah Quintrell wrote the script and is “thrilled” to be involved in the project.

She said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to tell the story of Mary – the other Bennet sister – and explore what it means to grow up when you’re the outsider.”

“It’s a pleasure to be adapting Janice Hadlow’s brilliant take on such a much-loved classic with the Bad Wolf team and to have found our home at the BBC.”

“I grew up as a teenager (an awkward, angsty teenager who did everything wrong…) watching the BBC’s wonderful Austen adaptations. This is the stuff every author dreams of, and I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to the screen – not least for all the Marys out there.

The show comes almost 30 years after the BBC series Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, which was released in 1995.

And network bosses find it “incredibly exciting” to return to Austen’s creations.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, who also commissioned the series, added: “BBC’s Pride and Prejudice will forever remain a classic moment in television history and it is incredibly exciting to return to Jane Austen’s compelling world and to go even further than before – this time in the footsteps of the other Bennet sister Mary.

“We fell in love with Sarah’s adaptation because it is a true underdog story full of heart, wit and charm, and offers a chance to explore Austen in a playful, original and heartfelt way.”

The Other Bennet Sister will appear on BBC One and iPlayer, but a release date and cast information have yet to be announced.