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For female viewers of a certain age it was a scene that set hearts aflutter – and became a TV classic.
The sight of a soaking Colin Firth as Mr Darcy emerging from a lake not only left Elizabeth Bennet, played by Jennifer Ehle, extremely flustered. It set the ratings soaring, too.
So how to top that 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice? Simple: Do a Double Darcy.
In The Other Bennet Sister, a new BBC adaptation of the novel, Mary Bennet, played by Ella Bruccoleri, is wooed by Mr Ryder and Mr Hayward, played by Laurie Davidson and Donal Finn.
In one scene, she shares a sweet moment in a rowing boat with Mr Hayward until Mr Ryder swims out to them.
Somewhat inevitably Mr Hayward falls in – leaving both men to clamber on to the beach in dripping white shirts.
And Mary’s reaction? Extremely flustered, of course.
Following its premiere last month, BBC fans raved about the new Pride And Prejudice spin-off series as they revealed they have binge-watched every episode.
A double bill aired for its debut with the episodes set to drop weekly, however fans could watch the first five installments now on iPlayer.
And quick to tune in, fans have lauded the new period drama as ‘an absolute delight’, as one declared: ‘I love everything about it!’
Taking to Reddit, fans of the book discussed the TV adaptation, saying: ‘Loved it! Read the book years ago and loved it too.
‘They’ve taken out quite a chunk in the middle but I remember that part being quite depressing so perhaps that was on purpose. I love everything about it – the casting, the production design, the score, the subtle and evocative storytelling,’;
‘I just binged the first 5 episodes! Really enjoying it!!’; ‘Absolutely loved it!!!’;
‘Loving it! I ended up binge watching the first 5 episodes last night. An absolute delight.’
Meanwhile on Instagram fans said: ‘I’ve binged 5 episodes and I LOVE IT SO MUCH!’; ‘I’ve binge watched the first episodes and honestly love this series so much!,’;
‘This is just perfect. .it could have been written by Austen herself! Spot on casting.’
Gavin & Stacey’s Ruth Jones, 59, stars alongside Richard E Grant, 68, as Mr and Mrs Bennet in the series.
They join the likes of Game of Thrones actress Indira Varma and Heads of State’s Richard Coyle as Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Mary’s worldly aunt and uncle.
While The Girlfriend’s Laurie Davidson and SAS Rogue Heroes star Dónal Finn portray Mr Ryder and Mr Hayward in the re-telling of the well-known story.
Meanwhile, Bridgerton star Ella Bruccoleri portrays Mary Bennet in the ten episodes, which filmed in Wales last year.
The story follows Mary as, instead of looking to settle down, she heads to London to live with her aunt and uncle The Gardiners, as the governess to their three children.
Expanding the world of Pride and Prejudice, the series sees Mary alongside children Marianne, George and Rebecca, as they navigate the thrilling social world in the city.
Fans of the Jane Austin novel will no doubt recognise a number of the settings used in the new story, including Netherfield balls and Meryton Assembly.
Author Janice said: ‘It’s very exciting to think that Mary Bennet will soon be coming to our screens, taking centre stage at last in the story Jane Austen never gave her, played with such feeling by the wonderful Ella Bruccoleri, in the company of a brilliantly empathic cast who bring the whole drama gloriously and poignantly to life.’
While screenwriter Sarah Quintrell added: ‘Exploring Jane Austen’s world through the eyes of Mary Bennet for the first time has been a joyful experience – and our incredible cast have added a whole new layer of life to these characters.’
