Ella Bruccoleri reveals why The Other Bennet Sister was such a success

Ella Bruccoleri has said the British public are hungry for “yearning” as she opened up on why she thinks The Other Bennet Sister became such a success.

Inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the BBC series focuses on the life of Mary Bennet, the family’s seemingly unremarkable middle daughter as she navigates life in Regency England.

At the heart of the story features a slow-burn love story between Mary and Tom Hayward, played by Donal Finn.

The cast of The Other Bennet Sister

Getty

Speaking to The Standard at the National Television Awards, Bruccoleri discussed the popularity of period dramas and why they resonate with the British audience.

“They do subtext so well. So there's like so much bubbling under the surface,” said Bruccoleri, who was nominated for her performance in the role.

“People couldn't really be honest and open about their feelings back then, and we sort of live in this like world of oversharing now.

The Other Bennet Sister was released earlier this year and became an immediate hit

BBC/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

“Like everyone's just putting everything out on social media and it's very evocative to go back to a time where you couldn't do that.”

She said that she enjoys playing characters from that time period, as there is “so much going on that you can’t vocalise”.

“I think people are drawn to that. It's yearning. It's a big emotion without being able to express them.”

Asked if yearning is making a comeback, she wholeheartedly agreed.