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BritBox Unveils First Look at 'The Other Bennet Sister' Christmas Special
Confirmed
In Short: BritBox has unveiled the first look at its highly anticipated Christmas special for 'The Other Bennet Sister,' the beloved adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel.
BritBox has unveiled the first look at its highly anticipated Christmas special for 'The Other Bennet Sister,' the beloved adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel. The special, which resumes after the events of season one, will feature returning cast members including series star Ella Bruccoleri and Dónal Finn.
The three-part event, penned by series writer Sarah Quintrell and based on storylines by Hadlow, will air exclusively in the US and Canada on BritBox and in the UK on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The special will premiere in time for the holiday season, though an exact release date has not yet been announced.
In the first look, newlyweds Mary Bennet and Tom Hayward are seen enjoying a picnic together, though the image suggests a more serious conversation is taking place. Fans are eager to see what the Christmas episodes will bring, with many hoping for a continuation of the characters' journey.
The Other Bennet Sister, which took the internet by storm when it dropped in May 2026, has been a massive success for BritBox. The series generated five times more subscribers in its first five weeks than any previous launch, driving the strongest quarter of subscriber growth in BritBox history.
The show's popularity is not surprising given its engaging storyline and strong cast. Produced by Bad Wolf for the BBC and BritBox North America, the series follows Mary Bennet, the oft-overlooked middle sister in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice,' as she navigates the societal pressures of Regency England.
With nearly half (47%) of BritBox's active subscribers having watched the series, the Christmas special is expected to further boost the platform's subscriber base. The special will continue the story of Mary and Tom, who agreed to wed in the tenth episode of the series.
The Christmas special represents a return to a beloved tradition for many viewers. As one fan noted, 'If you're a 90s or 00s baby like me, then you know how much of a lost art the Christmas special is.' The anticipation for the special is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting its release.
What this adds
The Christmas special will premiere in December, aligning with its holiday theme. The first look image shows Mary and Tom in an intimate setting, suggesting a continuation of their relationship's development.
Background
The Other Bennet Sister, a hit BBC and BritBox series, is set to return with a three-part Christmas special following the marriage of Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri) and Tom Ryder (Dónal Finn).
What's confirmed
- Ruth Jones, Dónal Finn, Tanya Reynolds, and Laurie Davidson are among the returning cast members for the special with series star Ella Bruccoleri.
- BritBox is giving a first look at the three-part Christmas special The Other Bennet Sister starring Ella Bruccoleri and Dónal Finn.
- The Other Bennet Sister continues the story of Mary Bennet following the events of the first 10 episodes.
- Produced by Bad Wolf for the BBC and BritBox North America, production recently wrapped in Wales.
- Bennet, Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley, Varada Sethu as Ann Baxter (oh?!), Poppy Gilbert as Lizzie Darcy, Maddie Close as Jane Bingley, Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia Wickham, Molly Wright as Kitty Buncock, and Anna Fenton-Garvey as Charlotte Collins.
What's still developing
- The three-part event will once again turn its attention to poor, overlooked Mary, the eponymous and bookish Bennet sister who, until recently, never got no respect * adjusts tie * beside her more celebrated sisters in Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice.
- Mary is wearing bright colors and Tom looks dapper.
- And while this gentle reader, writer, and watcher was never worried that star Ella Bruccoleri would indeed be joined by co-star Dónal Finn for the new special, consider the Hayward reunion officially official today.
- Ryder, it seems, as star Laurie Davidson is also confirmed to be returning for the special.