BBC confirms details of The Other Elliot Sister adaptation in "captivating" new take on Jane Austen's Persuasion

The BBC has confirmed details of a new period drama inspired by the world of Jane Austen.

The 10-part series, which is titled The Other Elliot Sister, will shine a spotlight on the eldest and overlooked daughter from Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion, Elisabeth Elliot.

It is being adapted by Sarah Quintrell (The Other Bennet Sister) from author Janice Hadlow’s forthcoming novel of the same name, and produced by Bad Wolf for the BBC and BritBox North America.

The news follows the success of the BBC's The Other Bennet Sister, which was released earlier in 2026 and reimagined Jane Austen’s 1813 classic, Pride and Prejudice, in the same vein, putting the frequently sidelined middle sibling, Mary Bennet, at the heart of her own story.

The series proved to be a huge hit for the BBC, becoming the biggest new drama across all platforms and streamers in the UK since 2025, with 6.5 million viewers watching in its first 28 days. A second season has also already been commissioned.

Jane Tranter, CEO Bad Wolf, said in a statement: "Elizabeth Elliot is an intriguing figure at the edges of Persuasion - someone we know just enough about to wonder what might be going on beneath the surface... We're delighted to be returning to the world of Jane Austen with the BBC and BritBox, and to bring another overlooked character to the centre of her own story."

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: "We're thrilled to be returning to Jane Austen's world once more with The Other Elliot Sister. The audience instantly fell in love with Mary Bennet and we're sure they will do the same with Elizabeth Elliot. It promises to be yet another captivating, heartfelt adaptation from Sarah Quintrell."

BBC Director of Drama Lindsay Salt previously teased a new Jane Austen spin-off in the mould of The Other Elliot Sister when reflecting on the original drama's success.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2026, she said of The Other Bennet Sister: "I think that was a really good example of yes, it's a period drama, yes, it was an ensemble, but the half that show was Mary, and it could have always been called Mary Bennett. I just think people loved her so much, and Ella was incredible in that lead role.

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She continued: "So it just show, when you've got a character like that, it really, really, it really lands."

She then added: "But then we are looking to do more in that world. So Janice Hadlow's upcoming book, The Other Elliot sister... a clue, figure out the Austen fans out there in terms of what book that will be based on! But I think we found a really fun brand there where we've refreshed period drama for BBC."

Production on the new series is slated to begin in 2027.

The Other Elliot Sister will be coming soon to BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

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Authors

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.