The BBC’s new Jane Austen adaptation, The Other Bennet Sister, revolves around Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice's sister, Mary Bennet.
Based on the novel by Janice Hadlow, the series stars the ‘overlooked’ sister Mary – who’s very much a victim of ‘middle child syndrome’. She has long lived in the shadow of her romantic-heroine sisters Elizabeth and Jane, but is now getting her leading moment.
If you’re in the market for some Regency romance, and need a new Sunday watch, the BBC is here to provide.
Here’s your full guide to the actors and their characters!
The full cast of The Other Bennet Sister is:
- Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet
- Ruth Jones as Mrs Bennet
- Richard E. Grant as Mr Bennet
- Dónal Finn as Mr Hayward
- Laurie Davidson as Mr Ryder
- Indira Varma as Mrs Gardiner
- Richard Coyle as Mr Gardiner
- Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley
- Varada Sethu as Ann Baxter
- Ryan Sampson as Mr Collins
- Anna Fenton-Garvey as Charlotte Lucas
- Maddie Close as Jane Bennet
- Poppy Gilbert as Lizzie Bennet
- Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia Bennet
- Molly Wright as Kitty Bennet
Meet the cast of The Other Bennet Sister
Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet
Who is Mary Bennet? Mary Bennet is the character the entire series revolves around - the studious, often awkward sister, who has long been overshadowed by her charming sisters Elizabeth and Jane.
What else has Ella Bruccoleri been in? Ella Bruccoleri is no stranger to British TV – she’s featured in Paddington in Peru, Call the Midwife, and Bridgerton. You may also be currently loving her in ITV’s The Lady (2026) where she plays Angela.
Ruth Jones as Mrs Bennet
Who is Mrs Bennet? Mrs Bennet is the mother of Mary, Lizzy, Kitty, Jane and Lydia and is famously anxious for them all to marry as quickly (and advantageously) as possible. Speaking on the character, Ruth Jones said: "Mrs Bennet is iconic, and a huge challenge. I think of her like an estate agent with five properties to sell — four will be snapped up, but one can’t even get a viewing. She’s a tough businesswoman. That really appealed to me.”
What else has Ruth Jones been in? Of course, Ruth is beloved for the flagship Gavin & Stacey, in which she plays the iconic ‘Nessa’ Vanessa Jenkins. She initially shot to fame when she appeared in Fat Friends as Kelly Chadwick, and she was also in Little Britain and Nighty Night.
Richard E. Grant as Mr Bennet
Who is Mr Bennet? Mr Bennet is the father of the girls. Stoic and dry-witted, he generally stays out of their frivolity, but is a steady support. "I’ve always wanted to play Mr Bennet, having read Pride and Prejudice several times," said Richard.
What else has Richard E. Grant been in? Grant’s career spans everything from cult classics to prestige drama. Recent credits include Saltburn and The Thursday Murder Club, alongside TV roles in Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, Suspect and The Outlaws.
Tanya Reynolds as Caroline Bingley
Who is Caroline Bingley? Caroline Bingley is the stylish, status-obsessed sister of Jane’s husband, Mr Bingley. She's a classic Austen social climber.
What else has Tanya Reynolds been in? Tanya is probably best known as Lily in Sex Education. Aside from that, she’s been in Decameron, Delicious, Death in Paradise and Dodger. She’s also tried her hand at an Austen adaptation before, having played Ms Elton in Emma.
Indira Varma and Richard Coyle as the Gardiners
Who are the Gardiners? Mrs and Mr Gardiner are the Bennet sisters’ London relatives, widely considered the most sensible adults in the family. Kind, practical and socially savvy, they often act as guides for the younger characters navigating society.
What else have Indira Varma and Richard Coyle been in? Indira Varma is best known for Cold Water, Obsession and Luther, and Richard Coyle has appeared in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and The Fall, among plenty of others.
Dónal Finn as Mr Hayward
Who is Mr Hayward? "Tom Hayward is a friend of the Gardiners and meets Mary while she’s working as a governess," explains actor Dónal Finn. "He’s not from London, so he understands what it feels like to be an outsider. He works hard to be seen, and that shared experience creates an immediate connection between them."
What else has Donal Finn been in? Recently, the Prime Video series Young Sherlock, as Moriarty, and also Mat Cauhon in The Wheel of Time. He’s also a major musical talent, having originated the role of Orpheus in the original West End production of Hadestown.
Varada Sethu as Ann Baxter
Who is Ann Baxter? Ann Baxter is a new character introduced in The Other Bennet Sister – she does not appear in the original Jane Austen novel. She is a friend to Mary, but complicates her romantic journey with her engagement to Mr Hayward.
What else has Varada Sethu been in? Varada Sethu is best known for roles in Andor, Doctor Who, and Strike Back. She’s also appeared in Doctor Foster, Now You See Me 2 and the 2016 adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Maddie Close as Jane
Who is Jane Bennet? Jane Bennet is the eldest of the Bennet sisters, and famously the most beautiful. She quickly attaches herself to Mr Bingley, the plain but pleasant brother of Caroline Bingley.
What else has Maddie Close been in? Maddie Close is just at the beginning of her on-screen career, making this one of her biggest roles so far.
Poppy Gilbert as Lizzie
Who is Lizzie Bennet? Elizabeth (Lizzie) is Mary’s quick-witted, fiercely independent sister, the star of the original Pride and Prejudice romance.
What else has Poppy Gilbert been in? Poppy has steadily built a strong CV, with roles in My Oxford Year, Stay Close, The Catch and Midsomer Murders.
Molly Wright as Kitty
Who is Kitty? Kitty Bennet is the fourth Bennet sister, best known for being Lydia’s loyal - and often easily influenced - partner in chaos.
What else has Molly Wright been in? Molly Wright is familiar to British TV, having been in Our Girl, The A Word and Apostasy.
Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia
Who is Lydia Bennet? Lydia Bennet is the youngest — and most scandalous — member of the Bennet family. Her flirtatious nature causes problems in the original Pride and Prejudice.
What else has Grace Hogg-Robinson been in? Grace Hogg-Robinson has some great credits under her belt, from The Coroner to Flatmates, Flesh and Blood and COBRA.
Anna Fenton-Garvey as Charlotte Lucas
Who is Charlotte Lucas? Charlotte Lucas is one of Mary's closest friends. She is practical and strategic enough to accept Mr Collins's hand in marriage, prioritising financial security over love.
What else has Anna Fenton-Garvey been in? Anna Fenton-Garvey takes on her biggest role yet as Charlotte Lucas in The Other Bennet Sister, but she did appear in The Nevers as a maid.
Ryan Sampson as Mr Collins
Who is Mr Collins? Mr Collins is one of Austen’s most painfully awkward characters. He provides some comic value with his cringe-worthy proposals.
What else has Ryan Sampson been in? Ryan Sampson is best known for his comedic roles, particularly in Plebs and Brassic, making him the perfect choice for Mr Collins.
The Other Bennet Sister airs on BBC and BBC iPlayer on Sunday night.
