Classic BBC period drama lands spin-off – 29 years after original left viewers hot under the collar
A CLASSIC BBC period drama has landed a spin-off – 29 years after the original left viewers hot under the collar.
Pride and Prejudice was a sensational 1995 BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel starring Colin Firth, who titillated audiences back in the nineties as sexy Mr Darcy.
He went on to become a Hollywood actor in the Bridget Jones’ trilogy, also as ‘Mr Darcy’.
But now Jane Austen fans will be thrilled to learn a spin off to Pride and Prejudice will be back on our screens, all about Lizzy Bennet’s sister Mary, called The Other Bennet Sister.
Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice series that starred Firth, and this is when filming will begin.
The Other Bennet Sister is based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name and follows the life and times of the middle sister.
The series will be brought to us by Doctor Who producer Bad Wolf as part of a 10-part show, written by Sarah Quintrell.
The BBC is yet to announce cast members but has revealed a synopsis for the film, saying: “Unlike her sisters, Mary isn’t your typical period drama heroine,” it states.
“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.”
This time, Mary is the star of her own love story, as she leaves behind her home in Meryton for the bright lights of Regency London and the Lake District.
“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,” said Quintrell.
“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.”
She revealed: “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.”
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, commissioned the show for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. According to the BBC, Sony Pictures Television will be handling international sales.
A 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen was released for the 10th anniversary.
A date for airing has not yet been announced, but Austen fans can also look forward to Miss Austen—a four-part drama airing on the BBC in 2025.