The BBC has announced a new period drama, which will be partly set in the Lakes, based on one of Jane Austen’s most unassuming characters.

Viewers will be able to return to the irresistible world of ballrooms and romance with Mary Bennet in The Other Bennet Sister, based on the hit novel of the same name by Janice Hadlow.

The BBC's Pride and Prejudice will forever be a classic moment in television history and remains one that many people will be excited to revisit.

The Other Bennet Sister is a ten-part series focusing on the younger sister of Elizabeth Bennet.

Described as the seemingly unremarkable and overlooked middle sister in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mary isn’t your typical period drama heroine.

The series takes as its premise that while we dream of being Lizzy, in reality most of us are more like Mary...

Unlike her sisters, Mary is awkward, anxious, preachy, full of facts, a terrible singe, overlooked by her mother and seemingly destined to an empty dance card for the rest of her life… until she takes matters into her own hands.

The Other Bennet Sister gives Mary the epic love story nobody predicted for her, taking her from her family home in Meryton to the soirees of Regency London.

Her search for independence, romance, self-love and acceptance will also take Mary to the peaks and vales of the Lake District.

The BBC has commissioned The Other Bennet Sister from Cardiff-based production company Bad Wolf for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Based on the hit novel of the same name by Janice Hadlow, The Other Bennet Sister will be written by Sarah Quintrell, in her first drama series commission for television.

Screenwriter Sarah Quintrell said: "I’m thrilled to be telling the story of Mary - the other Bennet sister - exploring what it is to come of age when you’re the odd one out.

“It’s a joy to be adapting Janice Hadlow’s brilliant take on such a beloved classic with the team at Bad Wolf, and to have found our home at the BBC.

“I grew up (an awkward, anxious teen, getting everything wrong...) watching the BBC's wonderful Austen adaptations. It’s the stuff every writer dreams of and I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to screen - not least, for all the Marys out there.”

Bad Wolf's Jane Tranter said: “Jane Austen created exactly the kind of smart, subtly subversive and groundbreaking women that Bad Wolf is proud to be associated with.

“Sarah’s dazzling scripts explore what hides beneath the surface of the overlooked Bennet sister, bringing her vividly to life for a television audience.

“The BBC’s long relationship with Jane Austen is unsurpassed and it’s particularly meaningful to be partnering with them on this next iteration of her life on screen.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: "It's incredibly exciting to return to Jane Austen's irresistible world and go even further than before - this time in the footsteps of The Other Bennet Sister, Mary.

“We fell in love with Sarah’s adaptation because it’s a true underdog story packed full of heart, wit and charm, and a chance to explore Austen in a playful, original and heartfelt way."