Ryan Sampson’s restrained Regency role revealed

Famed for frantic comedy, razor-sharp timing and gloriously chaotic characters, Sampson has swapped modern swagger for starched collars and social ceremony as he takes on the role of Mr Collins in the BBC’s forthcoming period drama The Other Bennet Sister.

For an actor so closely associated with contemporary humour, the move into the restrained world of Regency England represents a significant and intriguing shift.

Sampson (39) grew up in Rotherham and has built a formidable television career largely on comedy.

He recently appeared in the Sky series Mr Bigstuff and is widely recognised for his role in Brassic.

Before that came his breakout performance as the scheming slave Grumio in Plebs, a role packed with outrageous one-liners and elastic expressions that cemented his reputation as a scene-stealer.

Those parts thrive on pace and bravado – Mr Collins is a different proposition entirely.

Created by Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice, Collins is pompous, obsequious and socially ambitious, a clergyman whose self-importance often outstrips his awareness.

He is remembered for long-winded speeches, misplaced confidence and one of literature’s most painfully awkward marriage proposals.

Yet he is more than a punchline.

The Other Bennet Sister, based on the novel by Janice Hadlow, revisits Austen’s world through the eyes of Mary Bennet, the overlooked middle sister, offering a fresh perspective on familiar events.

Within that reframed narrative, Collins remains a pivotal presence, shaped by status, expectation and rigid social codes.

His behaviour reflects both entitlement and insecurity.

For Sampson, a former Anston Brook primary and Wales High School pupil, the role offers the chance to fuse comic instinct with subtle dramatic control.

Collins may be absurd, but he must also feel authentic to his time.

The performance will require precision rather than volume – a raised eyebrow may matter more than a raised voice.

It is not the first time Sampson has shown range beyond outright comedy.

Alongside acting, he has developed a strong reputation as a writer, contributing to Brassic and shaping storylines from behind the scenes.

Writing demands a deeper understanding of character motivation, rhythm and emotional truth.

Those skills can enrich a performance, particularly in a literary adaptation.

He has also taken on roles that lean more towards straight acting, revealing a capacity for restraint that can be overshadowed by his comic profile.

Period drama calls for that measured approach.

The transition from modern mischief to Regency manners may appear dramatic, but it underlines the versatility that has defined Sampson’s career.

Rather than abandoning comedy, he appears to be refining it – applying timing and nuance within a far more formal setting.

For audiences in South Yorkshire, it is another opportunity to watch a Rotherham performer tackle a substantial part in a major BBC production, demonstrating the breadth of his work.

• The Other Bennet Sister will premiere in the UK in March on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The series will also air in the United States and Canada on BritBox later in 2026.