Viewers have their first look at Doctor Who’s Varada Sethu as Ann Baxter in the BBC adaptation of The Other Bennet Sister
The Other Bennet Sister, from Bad Wolf, the makers of Doctor Who, began just last week. However, it’s already shaping up to be one of the BBC’s most successful dramas of the year. Episodes 1-5 are on iPlayer now, with episodes 6-10 arriving on the 29th of March. Meanwhile double bills of the series are being broadcast on BBC One every Sunday at 8pm. The story follows the life of Mary Bennet from Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice as she attempts to find her place in the world. It co-stars Doctor Who’s Belinda, Varada Sethu, as Ann Baxter. Ann is one of the new friends Mary makes as events continue beyond the end of the original novel.
However, their feelings for Tom Hayward, the socially awkward friend of Mary’s aunt and uncle, complicates the pair’s friendship. Which is stronger – love or friendship, and can Mary find someone who loves her for who she is?
The Other Bennet Sister also features several other Whoniverse veterans
In addition to Varada Sethu, The Other Bennet Sister also features Indira Varma (Torchwood’s Suzie Costello, and Rogue’s Duchess of Pemberton) as Mary’s aunt, Mrs. Gardiner. Meanwhile, Richard E Grant is Mary’s father, the iconic Mr. Bennet. Grant was the Great Intelligence in 2012 and 2013, and the Doctor in 90s web animation Scream of the Shalka.
Ryan Sampson, who was insecure genius Luke Rattigan in 2007’s Sontaran two-parter, is cast as the similarly obnoxious Mr. Collins. Finally, Sean Carlsen, best known to Doctor Who fans as the Time Lord Narvin in many Big Finish productions, is Sir William Lucas.
Varada Sethu, of course, was the Doctor’s companion Belinda Chandra in the most recent season of Doctor Who. Following her abduction by the robots of Missbelindachandra I, the Time Lord battled to get her back to Earth, but at a terrible cost.
The Other Bennet Sister continues at 8pm on Sunday the 22nd of March
