A classic but unassuming character will finally be the focus of a huge period drama.
The broadcaster has commissioned a new series, The Other Bennet Sister, which will explore the love and life of character Mary Bennet the ‘seemingly unremarkable and overlooked middle sister’ in .
But now the drama will finally give relatable queen Mary a chance to shine as the 10-parter follows her quest for independence, romance, self-love and acceptance in the 19th century.
According to the BBC: ‘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.
‘The Other Bennet Sister gives Mary Bennet the epic love story nobody predicted for her, taking her from her family home in Meryton to the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District.’
The casting has yet to be announced for The Other Bennet Sister but the drama is coming from The Power screenwriter Sarah Quintrell and Doctor Who production company Bad Wolf.
Sarah said: ‘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.
‘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 a strong track record in Austen adaptations, most notably the 1995 take on Pride and Prejudice.
It starred Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as Mr Darcy, while Lucy Briers was Mary.
Two years ago, fans of the 90s Pride and Prejudice were able to purchase a slice of TV history when the Bennett house went up for sale.
The exteriors and interiors of  were used to represent Longbourn in the beloved mini-series.
This Grade II-listed property dates all the way back to the 11th century and retains Tudor features and 16th-century remodelling work.
The period property – which boasted an impressive eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms – was up for sale for £6,000,000. It was sold last year.
If you’re looking for an Austen TV fix before The Other Bennett Sister airs, there are countless adaptations you can binge,
Austen’s books have even evolved beyond their source material and inspired modern day romcoms such as  (yes, Helen Fielding wrote her own Mr Darcy), Austenland and the unforgettable .
If you’re looking for something a bit closer to Austen, though, try 2020 film Emma with Anya Taylor-Joy, 1995 movie Sense and Sensibility with Dame Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet or ITV series Sanditon.
