‘I imagine they had a healthy sex life early on’ - Jones and Grant in Austen-inspired drama

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Beth Alaw WilliamsBBC Wales

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Ruth Jones says she is “stepping into very big shoes” as she stars in a new BBC comedy series inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

The creator of Gavin and Stacey portrays the “iconic” Mrs Bennet in The Other Bennet Sister, with Richard E Grant playing her husband, Mr Bennet.

Based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name, the show focuses on Mary Bennet, the couple’s seemingly unremarkable middle daughter, who is in search of her own identity.

With some scenes filmed in Wales, Jones said the series was “one of the happiest jobs” she’s ever done, adding: “I love coming back to Wales.”

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Jones said the series was “one of the happiest jobs” she has ever done

In Pride and Prejudice and its various screen adaptations, Mrs Bennet is portrayed as stressed, emotional, and fixated on marrying off her five daughters.

But Jones said she hoped to change that perception of the character in the 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, that really appealed to me.”

BBC/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

Mary Bennet (centre) is portrayed by Ella Bruccoleri, whose acting credits include Call the Midwife and Bridgerton

An added challenge for Mrs Bennet is her “harsh” husband, said Jones.

She added she imagined Mr and Mrs Bennet “had a very healthy sex life early on”.

“But it soon became clear they didn’t have much in common and irritated each other greatly,” she said.

“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.”

Mr Bennet is a dream role for Grant, who said that Jones’ involvement was one of the reasons why he signed up to 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.

“The energy is infectious.”

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Produced by Wales-based Bad Wolf, the project was also a chance for Jones to go back home, with some filming taking place in south Wales.

The writer and actress said: "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.”

Jones said her co-stars, including Ella Bruccoleri as Mary, were a “joy” to work with.

But Jones said she found herself apologizing to Bruccoleri for “criticising and belittling” her while in character.

“She is awful to Mary - let’s not beat about the bush - and often quite cruel,” said Jones.

“But we come to understand why her attitude towards her middle daughter is the way it is.”

BBC/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

Jones said her character was often “cruel” to Mary

Jones said Jane Austen fans “won’t be disappointed”.

“There are so many nods to Pride and Prejudice - recognisable characters, iconic ballroom scenes, moments that make you think, ‘I remember that’,” said Jones.

“The series is a lovely blend of lightness and comedy, with some genuinely moving and poignant moments.”

The Other Bennet Sister premieres on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday 15 March 2026.

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Television

Richard E Grant

Jane Austen

British literature

Wales