Ella Bruccoleri and Dónal Finn are returning as Mary Bennet and Tom Hayward for a three-part Christmas special of The Other Bennet Sister. The BBC has confirmed the full cast list, with most of the original series stars coming back for the festive episodes. One new actor, Nerys Amber-Stocks, is joining the show as Mary’s housemaid Lucy. The special wrapped filming in Wales over the summer and will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas, with BritBox showing it in the US and Canada.
Ella Bruccoleri and Dónal Finn Lead the Cast Again
Ella Bruccoleri returns as Mary Bennet, the overlooked middle sister from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. The first season ended with Mary agreeing to marry Tom Hayward. The Christmas special picks up after the wedding, with Mary adjusting to her new life as Mrs Hayward. Bruccoleri has previously appeared in Down Cemetery Road and Wicker.
Dónal Finn is back as Tom Hayward, Mary’s husband. Finn’s other credits include Young Sherlock and SAS Rogue Heroes. The BBC has teased that the special will explore a key question: “With marriage comes a new identity and the question remains: who will Mary become as Mrs Hayward?”.
Ruth Jones Returns as Mrs Bennet
Ruth Jones is returning as Mrs Bennet, Mary’s mother. Jones is known for creating and starring in Gavin & Stacey and has also appeared in Runaway. She previously described her character as “often quite cruel” to Mary. Jones is one of the biggest names in the cast and her return was confirmed in the BBC’s official first-look announcement.
Tanya Reynolds and Laurie Davidson Are Back
Tanya Reynolds returns as Caroline Bingley. Reynolds is known for her roles in Ted Lasso and Sex Education. Laurie Davidson is back as Mr Ryder, one of Mary’s former suitors. Davidson has appeared in A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story and The Girlfriend. Both actors were part of the original ten-episode series and their return has been confirmed by multiple outlets.
Varada Sethu, Poppy Gilbert, and More Returning Stars
Several other original cast members are returning for the Christmas special.
Varada Sethu returns as Ann Baxter. Sethu’s recent credits include Doctor Who and Andor.
Poppy Gilbert is back as Lizzie Darcy. Gilbert has appeared in My Oxford Year and Chloe.
Maddie Close returns as Jane Bingley. Close’s previous work includes Chasing Red.
Grace Hogg-Robinson returns as Lydia Wickham. Hogg-Robinson has credits in The Coroner and COBRA.
Molly Wright is back as Kitty Buncock. Wright has appeared in The A Word and APOSTASY.
Anna Fenton-Garvey returns as Charlotte Collins. Fenton-Garvey’s previous work includes The Nevers.
Nerys Amber-Stocks Joins as Mary’s Housemaid Lucy
Nerys Amber-Stocks is the only new addition to the cast. She will play Lucy, Mary’s housemaid. Amber-Stocks is known for appearing in Out There and Mammoth. Her character is expected to be part of Mary’s new household as she begins her married life.
What the Christmas Special Is About
The three-part special continues the story from the first season’s finale. Mary Bennet has married Tom Hayward, but marriage brings a new set of challenges. The BBC’s logline asks: “With marriage comes a new identity and the question remains: who will Mary become as Mrs Hayward?”.
The special is based on storylines by author Janice Hadlow, who wrote the original novel. Sarah Quintrell, who wrote nine of the ten episodes in the first season, has written all three Christmas episodes. Asim Abbasi returns as director.
Filming took place in Wales over the summer. Producer Edoardo Ferretti shared the news on Instagram, writing: “And yet another wrap! Every time emotional, every time proud. This one is going to be so Special!”.
Related:
How to Watch the Christmas Special Worldwide
The three-part special will air in the UK on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas. In the US and Canada, it will be available exclusively on BritBox. Sony Pictures Television handles international distribution.
Each episode will run for 30 minutes. The original ten-episode series became the biggest new drama across all UK platforms and streamers since March 2025, with 6.5 million viewers in its first 28 days. Episode one has now reached 8.4 million viewers.
Also Read: 10 Period Dramas to Watch if You Loved The Other Bennet Sister on BritBox
Discover more festive TV highlights and cast updates only on VvipTimes.
Leave a Reply