A beloved BBC period drama is making a return to television screens with a new spin-off series, 29 years after the original first aired.
Pride and Prejudice, the iconic 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's novel that left viewers swooning over Colin Firth’s portrayal of the dashing Mr Darcy, is set to inspire a fresh chapter in the story.
The new series, The Other Bennet Sister, will focus on Lizzy Bennet’s often-overlooked sister, Mary, and is based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name.
Filming is scheduled to begin next year, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the original Pride and Prejudice series, which shot Firth to international fame.
Jane Austen fans will be excited to follow Mary’s journey in this 10-part series, produced by Doctor Who creators Bad Wolf and written by Sarah Quintrell.
This time, the overlooked middle Bennet sister is at the heart of her own story as she ventures from her quiet life in Meryton to the excitement of Regency London and the picturesque Lake District.
Quintrell expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying: “I’m thrilled to be telling the story of Mary – the other Bennet sister – exploring what it is to come of age when you’re the odd one out.
"It’s a joy to be adapting Janice Hadlow’s brilliant take on such a beloved classic with the team at Bad Wolf, and to have found our home at the BBC.”
Reflecting on her own experiences, she added: “I grew up (an awkward, anxious teen, getting everything wrong…) watching the BBC’s wonderful Austen adaptations.
"It’s the stuff every writer dreams of, and I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to screen – not least, for all the Marys out there.”
The BBC has yet to announce the cast for the new adaptation but did share some insight into Mary’s character: "Unlike her sisters, Mary isn’t your typical period drama heroine.
"She is awkward, anxious, preachy, full of facts, a terrible singer… overlooked by her mother and seemingly destined to an empty dance card for the rest of her life… until Mary takes matters into her own hands."