The Other Bennet Sister fans were delighted to hear the BBC had commissioned a three-part Christmas special.
The Other Bennet Sister is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.(Image: BBC)
The Other Bennet Sister fans have all made the same demand ahead of the festive special.
Fans of The Other Bennet Sister were delighted when the BBC announced a three-part Christmas special, following the triumph of the opening series.
Adapted from Janice Hadlow’s celebrated novel, The Other Bennet Sister centred on Mary Bennet (played by Ella Bruccoleri), the frequently ignored middle sister from Pride and Prejudice.
The concluding episode saw Mary agreeing to marry Tom Hayward (Dónal Finn), though the happy couple may face some obstacles ahead.
The Other Bennet Sister became the most-watched debut drama across all UK platforms and streaming services since May 2025, drawing 7.3 million viewers within its initial 28 days.
Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, said: “We always hoped audiences would fall in love with Mary Bennet’s story, but the response to The Other Bennet Sister has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations.”
The programme’s popularity led directly to the festive special, and here’s everything we know about it thus far.
Who is in The Other Bennet Sister Christmas special?
Ella Bruccoleri is set to reprise her role as Mary, alongside “a host of other familiar faces from the series”.
After learning about the festive special, supporters rushed to social media with one unanimous request, as there was a particular breakout star they were desperate to see return.
Taking to Instagram, one fan said: “Best news ever! Please confirm Dónal being back as Tom.”
Another commented: “@donal.finn will be in it, right? RIGHT?!” A third shared: “I need confirmation that @donal.finn is part of this pleaseeeee.”
A fourth added: “Donal Finn better be there with Ella!!!!” A final viewer concluded: “Best news just hope Donal is in there with Ella too, love them both.”
Given that the Christmas special is set following Mary and Tom’s wedding, it seems highly probable that the Irish actor will make his return to the show.
He captured the hearts of viewers portraying the shy and awkward character, and has further kept fans captivated with his portrayal of the eccentric and charismatic James Moriarty in Prime Video’s Young Sherlock.
What is The Other Bennet Sister Christmas special about?
Tranter offered a tantalising glimpse of the festive episodes, saying: “These Christmas specials give us the chance to spend a little more time with characters audiences have taken to their hearts, and to explore what happens after the wedding bells fade and real life begins.
“Returning to the world of Mary Bennet with our brilliant partners at the BBC and BritBox feels like the perfect way to celebrate the success of the series and give viewers a treat this Christmas.”
While the precise plot is yet to be unveiled, the storyline will likely chart the newlyweds’ ups and downs as they adjust to married life – whether that involves navigating tricky in-laws or the prospect of starting a family – but viewers will simply have to sit tight and find out.
How long are The Other Bennet Sister Christmas special episodes?
While devotees had hoped for three feature-length episodes, the BBC confirmed the specials will follow the same format as the original series, with each instalment running at 30 minutes.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: “It’s been incredibly exciting to see Mary Bennet cause such a sensation in 2026, and we could not be happier to announce this new three-part Christmas gift to her millions of fans.
“Marriage was just the beginning for the no-longer-so-overlooked Bennet sister.”
Where will The Other Bennet Sister Christmas special air?
The specials will broadcast exclusively in the UK on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Viewers in the US and Canada will be able to catch it exclusively on BritBox.
The Other Bennet Sister Christmas special will air on BBC One.