Ruth Jones Takes on Iconic Role in BBC Comedy
Ruth Jones has expressed that she is "stepping into very big shoes" as she leads a new BBC comedy series inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice.
The creator of Gavin and Stacey plays the "iconic" Mrs Bennet in The Other Bennet Sister, with Richard E. Grant cast as her husband, Mr Bennet.
The series is adapted from Janice Hadlow's novel of the same name and centers on Mary Bennet, the seemingly unremarkable middle daughter of the Bennet family, who embarks on a journey to find her own identity.
Filming took place in part in Wales, which Jones described as "one of the happiest jobs" she has ever undertaken, adding:
"I love coming back to Wales."
Reinterpreting Mrs Bennet
In Pride and Prejudice and its various screen adaptations, Mrs Bennet is traditionally portrayed as stressed, emotional, and obsessed with marrying off her five daughters.
Jones aims to offer a fresh perspective on the character in this new series.
"Mrs Bennet is iconic and a huge challenge," she said.
"I wanted to meet that challenge and portray her differently from how she's traditionally been seen.
Ultimately, she wants security for all her daughters.
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 [and] that really appealed to me."
Complex Relationship with Mr Bennet
Jones also highlighted the difficulties Mrs Bennet faces with her "harsh" husband.
"I imagine [Mr and Mrs Bennet] had a very healthy sex life early on," Jones said.
"But it soon became clear they didn't have much in common and irritated each other greatly.
Mr Bennet can be quite harsh; he doesn't seem to take her anxiety about marrying off the daughters seriously. It's a fractious relationship."
Richard E. Grant on His Role
Richard E. Grant described the role of Mr Bennet as a dream part and cited Jones' casting as a key reason for joining the series.
"When Ruth Jones was cast, I knew she'd be perfect, so I was thrilled to work with her," he said.
"As a father of one daughter, having five on screen was a delight."
Production and Filming in Wales
Produced by Wales-based company Bad Wolf, the project also allowed Jones to return to her roots, with some scenes filmed in south Wales.
Jones remarked:
"I love coming back to Wales.
I recognise so many crew members I've worked with before, and it makes me proud that we're creating a production like this here.
Locations like St Fagans Folk Museum are places I've known since childhood."
Cast and On-Set Dynamics
Jones praised her co-stars, including Ella Bruccoleri, who plays Mary Bennet and has acting credits in Call the Midwife and Bridgerton, describing them as a "joy" to work with.
However, Jones admitted she often found herself apologizing to Bruccoleri for her character's harsh treatment of Mary.
"[Mrs Bennet] is awful to Mary - let's not beat about the bush - and often quite cruel," Jones said.
"But we come to understand why her attitude towards her middle daughter is the way it is."
Appeal to Jane Austen Fans
Jones assured that fans of Jane Austen would find much to enjoy in the series.
"There are so many nods to Pride and Prejudice - recognisable characters, iconic ballroom scenes, moments that make you think, 'I remember that'," she said.
"The series is a lovely blend of lightness and comedy, with some genuinely moving and poignant moments."
Premiere Details
The Other Bennet Sister is set to premiere on BBC One and on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
