Ruth Jones TV return confirmed after Gavin and Stacey with ‘irresistible’ period drama

Ruth Jones has confirmed her next TV role after breaking records with the final ever Gavin and Stacey episode last Christmas.

The 58-year-old teamed back up with James Corden to pen a festive special, which became the UK’s most-watched scripted show since records began in 2002.

Fresh from that ratings bonanza, Jones is set to return to the small screen in a wildly different role, amid news of her separation from her husband TV producer David Peet.

Jones has now signed on to the upcoming adaptation of a Pride and Prejudice spin-off novel for the BBC, where she will play the Bennet matriarch alongside Richard E Grant as Mr Bennet.

Over 10 episodes, The Other Bennet Sister will delve into what became of Mary Bennet, played by Call the Midwife’s Ella Bruccoleri, the bookish sister who has been rendered as an uptight grump in most Jane Austen adaptations.

Based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name, filming for the show is currently underway in Wales.

The BBC synopsis of the show reads: ‘The Gardiners take Mary under their wing as governess to their three children – Marianne, George, and Rebecca – introducing her to an exciting new social world that includes Mr Hayward, Mr Ryder, and Ann Baxter.’

Game of Thrones star Indira Varma has already been spotted filming scenes as Mary’s aunt Mrs Gardiner, alongside Richard Coyle who will play her husband.

Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt promised the show will be an ‘irresistible treat’ when it arrives on the BBC and iPlayer next year. 

‘It’s a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen’s beloved world, said Salt in a statement.

Executive producer Jane Tranter, who spearheaded the Doctor Who modern reboot at production studio Bad Wolf, said they have been working on The Other Bennet Sister behind the scenes for many years.

Tranter said in a statement: ‘Our actors had a lot to live up to – and I can honestly say that this is the ensemble cast of our dreams. 

‘Each one brings something new and exciting to the world of Austen. And all of us at Bad Wolf are delighted to be making a drama that brings such joy.’

The Other Bennet Sister arrives on BBC One and iPlayer next year. 

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